The engineering manager’s primary concern is each team member: hiring, delegating, coaching, and offering guidance to make sure they perform well. Engineer managers understand the team’s dynamic, how it evolves with new hires, and how people respond to pressure.

The best engineering managers typically do the following daily tasks:

Lead their team: Engineering leaders put people first. This involves setting goals, assigning tasks, and providing guidance and support to ensure the team is productive and motivated.
Communicate effectively: This includes communicating with stakeholders, peers, and other teams, as well as keeping their team informed and up-to-date on projects and initiatives.
Plan and prioritize: Engineering managers must balance multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities and use their time effectively to get things done.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement: This involves creating an environment that encourages learning and development and finding ways to improve processes and systems.
Ensure quality and reliability: Engineering managers must ensure that their team's work meets high standards of quality and reliability and that systems and processes are in place to catch and resolve issues quickly.
Mentor and coach: The best engineering managers are also strong mentors and coaches, helping their team members grow and develop professionally.
Stay informed: Engineering managers must stay knowledgeable on industry trends, new technologies, and emerging best practices to make informed decisions and lead their teams effectively.

If you are looking to improve your leadership, here are a few ways you can improve your engineering leadership skills:

Communication: Work on your communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clarity. Communicating effectively with your team and stakeholders will help you lead more effectively. Transparency in your communication is essential and will build trust with your team.
Embrace change: Be open to new ideas, processes, and technologies and encourage your team to do the same. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and drive continuous improvement.
Mentorship: Invest in developing your team members by being a mentor and coach. Provide regular feedback, support, and growth opportunities.
Problem-solving: Develop your problem-solving skills and encourage your team to do the same. This will help you tackle challenges and find creative solutions.
Continuous learning: Stay informed on industry trends and emerging best practices by reading, attending conferences, and networking with peers.
Lead by example: Set the tone for your team by demonstrating the values, behaviors, and work ethic you expect from them.
Be adaptable: Be flexible and adaptable in your leadership style and approach, as different situations and team members may require different leadership strategies.
Empower your team: Delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members and give them the support and resources they need to succeed. Empowering your team can create a more motivated and productive team.
Be vulnerable: Leadership means being transparent and modeling vulnerability for your team. In 1:1 meetings, aim to create a safe space by letting people know that it’s okay to be open about their mental state, difficulties in their personal lives that may impact how they show up daily at work, and any obstacles they may face in their roles. Share with your team some of your challenges, but don't overshare. Vulnerability engenders trust and camaraderie, whereas oversharing can feel one-sided, selfish, or like an emotional burden on the listeners.

A great engineering manager requires technical knowledge, leadership skills, and a passion for creating great products.

"Let's continue to lead with purpose, passion, and positivity and inspire those around us to do the same."

Technology Chief

What do impactful engineering managers do…