As a people manager, I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional software engineers. Based on my experience, here’s a non-exhaustive list of the key traits that make them stand out.
🔍 They care deeply
They dig into problems, understand their impact on the organization and users, and take the time to collaborate with colleagues, and even customers, to find the best solutions.
🎯 They chase the “why”
Great engineers seek to understand the value behind what they are building, enabling them to make better decisions.
🚀 They take initiative
They don’t wait for processes or instructions: they take action, experiment, fail, and learn.
🗣 They communicate effectively
They articulate their ideas clearly, tailoring their language to the audience, and avoid unnecessary complexity.
🤝 They build relationships
They actively collaborate with teams across the organization, share perspectives, and propose improvements.
🔍 They can read and navigate code
When they don’t have an answer, they know where to look and how to familiarize themselves with the code-base.
📚 They learn from others
They recognize and leverage the strengths of their colleagues to improve their own skills.
⏳ They have a sense of urgency
They act decisively, prioritize efficiently, and avoid unnecessary delays.
❓ They are comfortable with uncertainty
Instead of waiting for all the details, they iterate and refine as they go.
🔄 They are adaptable
They embrace change, pivot when needed, and see challenges as learning opportunities.
🎓 They mentor and share knowledge
They lift others by teaching, guiding, and fostering a culture of learning.
🤲 They put their ego aside
They welcome different perspectives and focus on what’s best for the team, not just their own solutions.
⚖️ They choose technology responsibly
They aren’t driven by hype: they prioritize practical, efficient solutions for their team.
🏆 They understand the product and business
They align their decisions with user needs and business goals, ensuring their work creates real value.
💡 They challenge ideas constructively
They contribute by offering alternative perspectives, questioning assumptions, and raising concerns early.
🔄 They turn mistakes into learning opportunities
Mistakes happen. The best engineers embed lessons into new practices and share what they’ve learned.
💬 What do you think?
If you’re an individual contributor or a people manager, what key traits do you think I missed? Let me know in the comments!
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