0

How to operate across teams as a senior/medior dev who is not team leader?

Profile picture
Mid-Level Software Engineer at Taro Community8 days ago

Our company recently got acquihired by another company as we're a team specialized in GenAI in our logistics domain which is rare.

Someone who is a manager in another team approached me with interest to use my expertise with GenAI effectively which could save them 2 hours per task (50K tasks in like last 10 years)

I've talked with them 2 times now and they're interested in us collaborating , me or maybe also others. Our team wants to collaborate with others and add value.

How do I bring this to my current team? Especially the Head of Tech who is like my manager, he often doesn't want me to operate on my own. And am concerned that by sharing this collaboration opportunity he'll say something like he takes over from here or something.

The goal is to increase collaboration between teams and also would love to add value across teams, but not sure how that works with tasks on 1 team while also having tasks at another team.

I was thinking about sharing in the standup that I've met team x and they are interested in collaborating on y there will be a follow up , I'll keep you informed. And telling product owner that I would like them to be there in the conversation.

I feel like the moment I start going across teams I'm acting beyond my role, taking lead and stepping on others toes and not sure who to report to anymore.

Thanks in advance!

27
2

Discussion

(2 comments)
  • 2
    Profile picture
    Tech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
    7 days ago

    It sounds like you have a unique value/knowledge in GenAI that others don't have. I wouldn't be concerned about the optics -- just focus on what is most valuable for the company.

    Keep your manager in the loop, but don't slow down your progress or collaboration simply because you're unclear how involved you should be.

    One tactic that's helpful here, which it sounds like you're doing, is to frame as "Here's what I'm doing, let me know if you have objections" rather than waiting for permission.

  • 1
    Profile picture
    Tech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course Hero
    8 days ago

    Trying to make sure I understand this (please correct me if I'm wrong):

    1. Your team was acquired, so now it's part of a broader company with multiple teams
    2. One of those other teams wants your help with their work
    3. You want to make sure that you can help this other team without making things weird in your current team

    In situations like these, you simply need to talk to your manager. Engineers get loaned to other teams all the time, and if the impact is there, your manager should be open to letting some of your work cycles go to this other team. Bring it up in your next 1 on 1.