Starting as an Engineering Manager

Recently, I've got promoted to an Engineering Manager position. It's something I was looking for after working as an Individual Contributor for more than a decade. I wanted the challenge, new learnings, and also to be able to help my team in a different role. It requires a distinct skill set from the ones I developed as an IC, and I would like to share with you what I've been focused on in the past to get ready for it.

Starting a new role as an Engineering Manager can be both exciting and daunting. As an Engineering Manager, you are responsible for managing a team of engineers, ensuring the quality of the work produced, and delivering projects on time and within budget. It's a challenging role, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your new position as an Engineering Manager.

• Get to know your team

The first step in becoming an effective Engineering Manager is getting to know your team. Spend time talking to each team member and finding out what their strengths and weaknesses are. Get to know their personalities and working styles. Understanding your team member's strengths and weaknesses will help you assign tasks that play to their strengths and help them develop areas where they may be weaker.

• Set expectations

As an Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for setting expectations for your team. It's important to be clear about what you expect from your team members in terms of performance, communication, and work quality. Setting clear expectations upfront will help avoid misunderstandings down the line.

• Communicate effectively

Communication is key to any successful team, and as an Engineering Manager, you will need to communicate effectively with your team members, stakeholders, and other departments. Ensure that everyone is aware of project goals and timelines, and encourage open communication to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

• Develop your leadership skills

Being an Engineering Manager requires strong leadership skills. You will need to inspire your team members to achieve their best work and provide them with guidance and support when needed. Take the time to develop your leadership skills, attend leadership training courses, and seek feedback from your team members to help you improve.

• Stay up to date with technology

As an Engineering Manager, you will need to stay up to date with the latest technology and tools used in your industry. Attend industry events, read industry blogs and publications, and network with other Engineering Managers to stay informed of the latest trends and best practices.

• Empower your team

A good Engineering Manager empowers their team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions. Encourage your team members to take on more responsibility, and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

In conclusion, starting in the position of Engineering Manager can be challenging, but with the right mindset, communication skills, and leadership abilities, you can succeed in this role. Remember to get to know your team, set expectations, communicate effectively, develop your leadership skills, stay up to date with technology, and empower your team members to achieve their best work. Good luck!