WindrunManaging a small team is challenging, but leading 20 developers? That’s a whole new level of chaos. Bugs, feature requests, deadlines, and personalities collide, and without a strategy, even the calmest leader can lose their mind. Here’s how to manage a large dev team while keeping your sanity—and humor—intact.
1. Structure Is Your Best Friend
Without clear processes, tasks and responsibilities get lost in the chaos. Use project management tools, maintain organized boards, and define roles clearly. Structure reduces confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.
2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
You can’t do everything yourself. Trust leads, senior developers, and team members to own parts of projects. Delegation isn’t giving up control—it’s multiplying your impact while reducing stress.
3. Daily Stand-Ups Matter
Short, focused daily stand-ups keep communication flowing and prevent misunderstandings. Limit the time, encourage concise updates, and make sure blockers are addressed immediately.
4. Humor Is a Secret Weapon
Managing 20 developers can get tense fast. A well-timed joke, playful Slack meme, or funny story lightens the mood and strengthens team camaraderie. Happy teams are productive teams.
5. Know When to Say No
Feature requests, last-minute changes, or “quick fixes” can pile up. Prioritize ruthlessly and protect your team from scope creep. Saying no strategically keeps projects on track—and your sanity intact.
6. One-on-One Check-Ins
Even with a large team, take time for short one-on-one chats. Understanding individual challenges, goals, and motivations prevents disengagement and strengthens relationships.
7. Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledging achievements—even small ones—keeps morale high. Celebrate completed sprints, bug fixes, or feature launches with small rewards, shoutouts, or team fun moments.
Final Thoughts
Leading 20 developers is a balancing act between structure, delegation, humor, and empathy. The trick isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter, leveraging your team, and keeping the environment engaging.
Master these habits, and you can lead a large dev team successfully—without losing your mind.
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