Developing People: The Most Rewarding Part of Leadership
After two decades in technology leadership, I have realized that my greatest accomplishments are not the systems I have built but the people I have helped grow.
When I reflect on my career, I've led a lot of technology changes. I've helped migrate physical servers to virtual environments. I've built custom software that's still in use today. I've helped implement construction technologies that have transformed how we work.
But when I think about my greatest accomplishments, none of those made the list.
It's Always About the People
The people I've led over the years have forced me to become a better version of myself. Developing people and relationships has been one of the things I've truly enjoyed—and also one of the hardest things to get right.
I realize now this is something I have to always strive to improve upon. I owe it to my team to do just that.
What I've Learned About Development
You have to help people find the motivation within themselves. You can't force growth. The best you can do is create an environment where people can discover their own potential.
Leading people is hard. There have been many ups and downs over the years. You won't get it right every time. But the end result is what matters.
Bet on people others might overlook. Some of the best team members I've had are people who just needed someone to believe in them and give them a chance.
Celebrate the wins. When someone on your team succeeds, make sure they know you noticed. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job has been seeing my team succeed and knowing I played a small part in that.
The Ripple Effect
When you develop someone, you're not just impacting them—you're impacting everyone they'll work with and lead in the future. The skills they learn, the confidence they build, the leadership qualities they develop—those spread throughout the organization and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Technology changes constantly. The servers I managed early in my career are obsolete. Some of the software I wrote has been replaced. But the people I've helped develop are still out there, doing great work and developing others in turn.
If you're in a leadership role, remember: your legacy isn't the systems you build—it's the people you develop.
