Why Some Developers Grow Faster? No, It’s Not Their Code
Some engineers move up faster—and it has nothing to do with coding or experience.
Have you ever wondered why some developers progress much faster than others?
It’s easy to assume they’re just better at coding.
After all, we work in tech, so the code what matters most, right?
That makes sense. But here’s what I’ve noticed:
Some developers write excellent code, work hard, and have years of experience…
Yet, they stay in the same role, while others—sometimes with less experience—keep progressing.
So what’s really going on?
While coding skills are essential, they’re not the whole picture.
The difference lies in how you work with others, how you approach problems, and how well you can align yourself with the company's goals.
In this issue, I’ll show you:
Why focusing only on coding isn't enough
A better approach
A simple step to reach your goal faster
Why focusing only on coding isn’t enough
When developers want to move forward, they usually double down on what they know:
Take on more complex coding tasks
Learn the latest tools and frameworks
Try to become the technical expert on the team
They hope that they will be so good that they can’t be ignored, and then they will be promoted.
But that rarely happens.
Because in leadership roles, what matters most isn’t how great your code is.
It’s how well you create clarity, build trust, and help the team succeed.
A better approach
If you want to grow faster, shift your focus from just writing great code to showing leadership in your day-to-day work.
Here’s how:
Step in early when something’s unclear. Bring clarity for the team instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
Help others move forward. If someone’s stuck, support them—even if it’s not your task.
Explain technical decisions in simple terms. Communicate so even non-tech people get the value.
Connect your work to business goals. Understand why your work matters.
Be proactive. Own problems. Suggest improvements. Lead by example.
You don't have to be a leader to take these steps, but have to think like one.
A simple step to reach your goal faster
Find someone who’s already in the role you’re aiming for—and ask for a short chat.
Not a formal mentorship. Just one honest conversation.
Ask them:
What surprised you most when you started working in this role?
What skills did you need to develop quickly?
What would you do differently if you had to start over?
This does two things:
A conversation like this gives you real, unfiltered insights.
And it shows others that you’re serious about growth.
People notice that.
The key is to treat your career development like a skill you study and not like a reward you wait for.
Ready to improve your skills beyond coding?
I had an excellent mentor who saved me years of trial and error in my career.
Now I help software engineers like you step into lead roles—with the kind of support I wish I had earlier.
In my mentorship program, we focus on the three most important areas for new leaders:
Building high-performing teams
The elements of effective leadership
How to collaborate with stakeholders
You’ll get tools you can actually use at work—
like Team Efficiency Radar Chart, Time-Blocking Template, Salary Negotiation Playbook, and more.
No vague advice. No generalities. Just practical, field-tested methods that work.
📍 Learn more or get in touch here.