“I’ve learned to understand my team’s perspectives, manage my emotions, and build trust through more thoughtful communication.”

For most of my career, I was comfortable working independently. As a software developer, I enjoyed solving technical problems, making decisions, and approaching tasks in my own way. I liked having control over how things were done, and I was confident in my technical abilities.
Things began to change when I transitioned into a team leadership role. I was suddenly responsible for working closely with junior team members, coordinating tasks, and ensuring that everyone was moving in the same direction. I quickly realised that working with a team was very different from working independently.
Everyone had their own ideas, approaches, and ways of solving problems. When things did not go according to my expectations, I would get frustrated. Sometimes, I would express that frustration through harsh words, which affected my team members. Gradually, people started keeping their distance and became reluctant to work with me.
The turning point came when my CTO gave me feedback about my approach to working with the team. I was told that technical expertise alone would not be enough for the responsibilities I was moving towards. I needed to develop my communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and work more effectively with others.
That feedback made me realise that I had to make a change. I wanted to grow in my career and become a team leader who could bring people together, rather than someone who made collaboration difficult.
Joining Kapable became an important step in that journey.
Through the individual and group sessions, I began to understand how my emotions influenced my reactions and how my perspective could affect the people around me. I learned to look at situations from another person’s point of view and approach difficult conversations more thoughtfully.
One of the most significant changes I noticed was in the way I gave feedback to my junior team members. Earlier, I would focus on what was wrong and become frustrated when things did not meet my expectations. Over time, I learned to communicate more constructively, understand the underlying issues, and discuss practical steps for improvement.
I could see the difference in the way my team responded to me. Conversations became more engaging, and I was able to understand their challenges without letting my frustration take over.
Today, the relationship I share with my team is very different. We have built greater trust, and the team is able to manage responsibilities even when I am unavailable. Seeing them work independently and confidently has been one of the most satisfying parts of my growth as a leader.
The individual sessions helped me recognise the areas I needed to work on, while the group sessions gave me opportunities to practise and understand different perspectives. I also became more conscious of how I communicate, organise my thoughts, and explain ideas to others.
As I continue to grow in my role, I want to keep applying these learnings in my everyday interactions. I know that becoming a better leader requires consistent effort, reflection, and practice.
Looking back, I can see how much my approach to working with people has changed. I have become more aware of my reactions, more open to different perspectives, and more intentional about building trust. I feel better equipped to lead my team and take the next steps in my career.