Weekly Growth Checklist for Tech Leads

If you want to grow as a tech lead, don’t wait for someone to hand you a playbook.

Here is a weekly checklist I was using as a Lead Frontend and it’s the same tool I share with engineers I mentor to build the skills and reputation they need.

1. Own problems, not just tasks

Pick one issue that’s slowing your team down. Don’t just fix it, understand its business impact, raise it early, and communicate the value of the solution.

This builds your reputation as someone who sees the bigger picture and takes initiative. Key traits managers look for in future leaders.

2. Lead without permission

Find a small area of chaos or confusion. Maybe a process that’s unclear or a recurring blocker. Solve it, clarify it or coordinate, even if it’s not “your job.”

You’ll be seen as a proactive leader, not just a follower. This increases your influence and shows you’re ready for more responsibility.

3. Make your impact visible

At the end of the week, summarise what you improved for the team and share it in a quick message to your manager.

Visibility is crucial but many engineers miss out on promotions because their contributions go unnoticed. Make sure your work is seen.

4. Help a teammate grow

Mentor a colleague, offer feedback, or share a resource that’s helped you.

Leadership is about making the team better. Helping others grow builds trust and positions you as someone who uplifts the whole group.

5. Reflect on a tough moment

If something went sideways this week, take a few minutes to analyse what happened, what you learned, and how you’ll handle it differently next time.

No one is perfect, but the best leaders are effective learners. Owning mistakes and showing growth sets a great example for your people.

6. Celebrate a team win

Acknowledge someone else’s contribution publicly, whether in a meeting or chat.

Recognition boosts morale and strengthens relationships. Teams with a culture of appreciation perform better and are more resilient.

7. Revisit your priorities

At the end of the week, review your to-dos and ask: “Did I focus on things that grow me and my team as leaders, or just urgent tasks?”

This keeps you aligned with long-term growth, not just daily firefighting. It ensures your time and energy are invested where they matter most.

Takeaway:

As you may have noticed, most of these things do not require you to be a leader. Even if you don't have the official title, you can start practising them to make you look better at your next performance review.

Pick 2-3 items from this checklist to focus on next week.

Consistent, small steps will create visible and sustainable growth that will lead to promotion.

Ready to accelerate your career?

This checklist is just one of the practical tools I use to help software engineers make real progress toward promotion. As a mentor to tech leads in startups and a performance coach, I guide developers like you through the transition from coder to confident leader.

If you’re serious about getting promoted or levelling up your leadership skills, my 1:1 coaching program offers personalised guidance, actionable strategies, and hands-on tools tailored to your unique goals.

Curious to learn more?

Check out the details and see how we can work together gabortill.com/mentorship

---