The Head of Engineering (VP of Engineering, Director of Engineering, CTO, etc.) is the person in charge of steering the ship, but with a twist—they allow minor direction changes by the team. These slight deviations are fine and can even be beneficial because they offer opportunities for learning and growth, as long as the overall direction is clear.

The Head of Engineering needs to ensure their team is happy, healthy, and working on things that bring them growth and job satisfaction. They should understand each team member’s professional goals and provide opportunities that fall in line with those aspirations. Keeping the team motivated and engaged is key.

Balancing technical debt and bugs with new functionality and features is another important aspect of the role. The Head of Engineering must carefully prioritize and plan to maintain a stable and innovative product in partnership with product owners and stakeholders.

It’s also important for the Head of Engineering to work with the team to eliminate frustrations, whether they’re due to unnecessary meetings, specific projects, or lack of time to recharge. Addressing these pain points helps keep the team positive and productive.

Flexibility in decision-making is crucial. The Head of Engineering gives team members the freedom to make decisions but also mistakes. These mistakes are valuable learning opportunities that contribute to team growth and can sometimes lead to unexpected wins.

For me, the Head of Engineering balances strategic direction with day-to-day management, ensuring the team is motivated, healthy, and constantly growing. This is what I strive for every day.