I started the day with a short meeting on Slack.
A colleague was overwhelmed with work on a different project. A massive issue had come up in what we were working on. Only a rough understanding of the problem.
“Leave it with me.”
That’s how I closed the conversation. I’m not sure how common this phrase is elsewhere, but within our team, it’s a daily occurrence. And sometimes, I pause to think about how those four words carry a meaning far deeper than their dictionary definition.
“Leave it with me” is more than a simple task delegation. It’s not about looking good or making empty promises. It’s a statement of intent—a commitment to having your teammate’s back. It means, I’ve got this. You focus on what you need to, and I’ll take care of it.
I don’t think there’s anything I value more in a job than that sense of camaraderie, unity, and empathy. Too often, “ability to work in a team” is just a throwaway phrase on job listings and CVs. In reality, I’ve seen plenty of workplaces where everyone looks out only for themselves—their interests, their career, their day. And sure, you can be a great developer, build incredible products, and still be a bit of an asshole.
But my point is different. We spend most of our waking hours working—more than sleeping, eating, or pursuing hobbies. Most of the time, we do it in teams. Maybe it’s a dev unit, maybe you’re the lone developer in a sea of designers, marketers, and salespeople. Whether you share an office and a stinky break room or work remotely, where colleagues are just Slack avatars, the reality remains the same: you’re in this together. So why make it miserable?
Have you ever worked in an environment with zero cohesion? Where competition isn’t a way to improve but a way to push others down? I’ve been lucky. I’ve worked with friends, people who became friends, and genuinely great human beings. But even in my relatively fortunate experience, I’ve seen projects and environments that screamed toxic from a mile away.
I wouldn’t last in that kind of setup.
My personality isn’t built to thrive in a workplace that values cutthroat tactics over collaboration. I need an environment where people row in the same direction. I don’t mind competition—in fact, I love being surrounded by people who are better than me because it pushes me to improve. But I need to know that, at the end of the day, we’re all working toward a common goal.
That’s why “leave it with me” means so much more than the words themselves. It’s a signal of trust, of support, of being part of something bigger than yourself. It means I’ll do my best to get this over the line for you. Not for the credit. Not for the praise. Just because that’s what great teams do. Today, you need the help. Tomorrow, it’ll be me who’s stuck. And I know that when that moment comes, someone will have my back too.
I’m lucky. I love the people I work with.
I hope you’re part of an incredible, supportive team too. I know that’s not always possible, but remember—kindness, empathy, and a bit of common sense go a long way. If you find yourself in a toxic environment, don’t bend to it. Stay true to your core values. See if that shift changes things or opens up new opportunities.
Because great people around you aren’t just luck. They’re a choice.
And if you ever need help, just leave it with me.