As someone who has experienced the power of feature leads firsthand during my time at Atlassian, I can't stress enough how valuable this role was in the life of a software engineer/leader. Sharing some thoughts on why feature leads are so important and how they can transform project execution for you.

The Feature Lead Advantage

At Atlassian, we regularly assigned feature leads to our projects. These weren't managers or dedicated roles, but rather engineers from the team who took on additional responsibilities for a specific feature or project. This practice made a huge difference in how smoothly our projects ran and how quickly we would deliver high-quality results.

One of the biggest advantages of having a feature lead was their ability to bridge the gap between different aspects of the project. As an engineer deeply involved in the technical side, the feature lead could easily communicate with designers, analysts, and product managers as needed. This cross-functional collaboration ensured that everyone was on the same page and that technical constraints were considered early in the design process.

Feature leads take ownership of the project from start to finish. They're responsible for tracking progress, identifying roadblocks, and ensuring the project stays on course. Of course they may not be able to solve everything on their own but can quickly invoke stakeholders into taking corrective actions long before a project steers off course.

This sense of ownership often leads to better decision-making and a more cohesive final product. Having a feature lead also allows product managers and other team members to focus on their core responsibilities. The feature lead can handle many of the day-to-day questions and coordination tasks, giving others more time for strategic thinking and future planning.

The Bigger Picture

Looking at how projects are managed in open source communities and across the industry these days, I can see the impact that a dedicated feature lead has.

Many projects suffer from communication breakdowns between different teams or departments. A feature lead acts as a central point of contact, ensuring that information flows smoothly and that everyone has the context they need to do their best work. With a feature lead in place, decisions can be made more quickly. They have the context to make informed choices without always needing to consult higher-ups or call a meeting.

Feature leads are in a unique position to spot potential issues early. They can ensure that the final product meets both technical requirements and user needs, leading to higher quality releases. This level of oversight and coordination is often missing in many projects I've seen since leaving Atlassian, and it's clear how much of a difference it can make.

Personal Growth and Career Development

One aspect of the feature lead role that I've come to appreciate even more is the incredible learning opportunity it provides.

A feature lead ends up gaining a much deeper understanding of the entire product lifecycle and the software development life cycle (SDLC). This comprehensive view is invaluable for career growth and personal development.

As the industry pushes towards the concept of "Product Engineers" - developers who understand not just coding but the entire product development process - the feature lead role becomes even more crucial. It's a perfect stepping stone for engineers who want to broaden their skills and take on more responsibility.

The Future of Engineering

With the rise of AI in coding assistance, it's becoming increasingly important for engineers to differentiate themselves. Those who have experience with the wider product development lifecycle, like feature leads, will continue to be in high demand. They bring a level of understanding and insight that goes beyond just writing code, making them invaluable team members in an evolving market.

Implementing Feature Leads

If you're considering implementing feature leads in your organisation - and I strongly encourage you to do so - here are a few tips based on my experience:

Rotate the role to give different team members the chance to be feature leads. This spreads knowledge and helps everyone grow.
Provide support by ensuring that feature leads have the resources and authority they need to be effective.
Encourage collaboration between feature leads and all parts of the team, from design to analytics to product management.
Recognise the effort, as being a feature lead is extra work, so make sure to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.

As discussed above, feature leads can be a game-changer for project execution and team development. They bring focus, accountability, and improved communication to the development process. As I've seen in my own career, this role can make the difference between a good project and a great one.

I urge you to consider implementing the feature lead role in your organisation. It's a seed well sown that will yield benefits in project quality, team efficiency, and overall success. Moreover, it's an investment in your team's future, preparing them for the evolving landscape of software development where broad product understanding is increasingly valuable.

If you are in leadership, do consider implementing the same. If you are an individual contributor who realises the value of what this brings to your own career and progression, share this article with your manager. The impact can be substantial, and it's a practice I've come to value even more since moving on from Atlassian. Don't wait - start nurturing your feature leads today and watch your teams and products flourish!

The Power of Feature Leads