The 6-Step Blueprint: From Engineer to Engineering Manager
Stepping into an Engineering Manager role isn’t a step up—it’s a transformation. For individual contributors (IC) aspiring to step into leadership, it requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to influence, communicate, and think strategically.
But how do you prepare for this leap while still thriving in your current IC role?
In this post, I’ll share practical insights and actionable takeaways for ICs planning a future in engineering leadership. These lessons draw from personal experience, mentorship discussions, and wisdom from The Manager’s Path by Camille Fournier.
1️⃣ Think Like a Leader Before You Become One
Leadership starts long before you’re in charge. Begin by:
Exploring Leadership Styles:
Servant leadership focuses on empowering others.
Democratic leadership fosters collaboration.
Identify a style that aligns with your values and your team’s needs.
Taking Ownership: Volunteer to lead cross-functional projects or initiatives.
Mentoring Others: Share your expertise with junior team members. This builds your ability to teach, influence, and guide.
Focusing on Impact: Shift your perspective from “What did I deliver?” to “What impact did this have?”
💡 Takeaway: Leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about driving impact and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
2️⃣ Develop Strong Communication Skills
Technical excellence is crucial, but leadership demands clear and impactful communication. To start:
Give Better Feedback: Use the SBI Model:
Situation: Describe when and where the behavior occurred.
Behavior: Focus on the actions, not the person.
Impact: Explain the outcome or consequences of the behavior.
Context Switch with Ease: Communicate effectively with engineers, stakeholders, and executives.
Manage Up and Down: Share team updates, escalate issues constructively, and advocate for resources.
Ask for Feedback: Regularly seek input on your own communication style to improve.
💡 Pro Tip: Write an executive summary for your next project update. Focus on clarity, brevity, and impact.
3️⃣ Build Relationships and Influence
Great leaders know that influence doesn’t come from authority—it comes from trust and collaboration. Start by:
Building a Personal Brand: Share insights in team discussions, contribute to documentation, and champion team culture.
Leveraging Networks: Connect with PMs, designers, and peers across teams to broaden your impact.
Learning to Influence Without Authority: Use data, storytelling, and collaboration to align others with your ideas.
💡 Pro Tip: Think of influence as a skill—one that grows with practice.
4️⃣ Maintain and Showcase Your Technical Credibility
One of the biggest challenges for ICs transitioning to EM roles is maintaining their technical edge. You don’t have to be the most technical person in the room, but you need to:
Stay Hands-On Where Appropriate: Participate in technical reviews or proof-of- concepts (POCs).
Understand Trade-Offs: Learn how to discuss architecture and system designs at a high level.
Simplify Complexity: Practice explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
💡 Example: Offer to lead a postmortem or retrospective on a technical issue to practice both your technical and leadership skills.
5️⃣ Learn to Delegate and Prioritize
Moving from IC to EM requires you to let go of doing everything yourself. Start small by:
Delegating Tasks Thoughtfully: Identify projects that help team members grow.
Prioritizing Impact: Focus on work that aligns with the team’s highest priorities.
Trusting Your Team: Empower others to take ownership and make decisions.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a “delegate checklist”—ask yourself:
Who will benefit most from this opportunity?
How will I follow up to ensure success?
6️⃣ Embrace Continuous Learning
The best leaders are lifelong learners. Build habits that prepare you for an EM role, such as:
Reading Leadership Books: Start with The Manager’s Path, Radical Candor, and Dare to Lead.
Seeking Mentorship: Find EMs or Directors to learn from their experiences.
Joining Communities: Participate in leadership forums, Slack groups, or workshops.
💡 Resource: Subscribe to newsletters like Engineering Leadership, The Engineering Leader and The Conscious Leader for regular leadership insights.
Becoming an Engineering Manager is a journey that starts long before you have the title. By thinking like a leader, building relationships, and honing key skills, you can make the transition with confidence.