🎸Rockstars vs. Superstars: The Power Players in Tech Teams 🚀 (3min read)

type

status

date

slug

summary

🎸 The Rockstars

The rockstars in your team aren't the ones who can shred a guitar solo (although that would be cool!). Instead, they're the solid rocks of your team, the consistent, focused experts who are deeply knowledgeable in their areas. They're the ones who live and breathe a particular technology and love being the go-to person for that tricky question or complex project. 🧩

For rockstar managers, they thrive when working closely with their team, supporting their growth, and identifying new areas for them to explore. They're the ones who create a well-oiled machine that everyone wants to be a part of. 🤝

But remember, rockstars can be deeply frustrated by changes. They prefer to go deep rather than wide, and moving them around too much can lead to burnout. As a manager, it's crucial to understand who your rockstars are and create an environment where they can shine. 🛡️

🚀 The Superstars

On the other side, we have the superstars. They're the ones who thrive on change and variety. They love new opportunities, new teams, new projects, and new ventures. They're the ones who get excited about a new technology stack or a new market to build for. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they have the ability to rally others around them. 🌪️

Superstar managers are always looking for new opportunities. They're the ones who are ready to climb the org chart and take on more responsibilities. They thrive on change and pivot points, so it's important to expose them to as many of these as possible. 🌈

But beware, stagnation is the enemy of superstars. They need constant change and variety to keep them engaged and performing at their best. So, if you're pulling together a team for a brand new project, identify your superstars and get them on board. They'll soar. 🦅

🗣️ Let's Talk About It

While many of us have had discussions about the IC and management career tracks, fewer have broached the topic of rockstars and superstars. But understanding these personality traits can help you better place individuals in upcoming projects and teams, leading to increased happiness and performance. So, let's start the conversation. 📢

Remember, knowing what drives people can help you create a team where everyone can shine in their own unique way. So, who are the rockstars and superstars in your team? 🌟🔍