Code Isn't Enough: 7 "Smart" Habits Stalling Your Tech Career

Why behaviors rewarded early on can prevent you from reaching tech leadership positions like Staff, Principal, and beyond.

Early in my career, I held a common assumption: I thought top technical leaders like Principal and Distinguished Engineers were just the most skilled. I saw them as coding experts and system design masters. So, I focused all my energy on becoming a top software developer, working for deep expertise. I believed technical skill was the only key to reach their level.

But as I moved up, I found that focus on technical skill was not enough. It was important, but not the whole story. I saw that top tech leaders actually were very good technically. Most were exceptional. But they also had other skills and operated differently. It was not just about writing great code, designing perfect systems, or being the smartest person in the room.

I learned the hard way that what gets you to a senior role will not necessarily get you past that role to top technical leadership. I joined Amazon straight out of school and got to senior software development engineer in three years and change. But it took me a…