The Engineering Manager Toolkit — Part 2: Leadership and Decision Making

Congratulations on your new role as a manager or your ambition to become one! If you’ve followed along from our previous discussion on creating and managing your team, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of leadership.

In this continuation, we’ll delve into the essential components of leadership and decision-making that will guide you in leading your team to success.

In the first part of this series, we explored the challenges of creating your team, conducting effective interviews, and managing the post-interview process. Now, let’s shift our focus to the leadership aspect of your role, from leading from the front or behind to making informed decisions that drive your team forward.

As we dive into these topics, keep in mind that effective leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about inspiring and empowering your team to reach their full potential.

So, let’s explore how you can lead with clarity, confidence, and heart.

Know where you are leading from

There are mostly two ways that you can approach your leadership: leading from the front or leading from behind.

Leading from the Front

Leading from the front is the most common way managers operate. You step into the manager role and think, “What should I do? I should lead the team.” However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.

This approach is intuitive because it aligns with the philosophy of “I wouldn’t ask my team member anything that I wouldn’t do myself.”

Managers who lead from the front often dive into tasks firsthand, much like Leonidas leading the Spartans at Thermopylae.

But be aware, this approach can lead to micromanagement and your own overload, leaving little time for strategic thinking. It can also make your project unscalable by placing too many tasks on your plate.

A good rule of thumb for when to lead from the front is when managing a project with high risk and high visibility. In this case, taking responsibility for potential downfalls can increase team trust and shield them from danger.

When is it good to lead from the front?

• To increase your team’s trust in you.
• To shield your team from danger.

Why can it backfire?

• You could fall into micromanagement.
• You could become overwhelmed by tasks, neglecting critical manager responsibilities.

Leading from Behind

Leading from behind requires finesse and strategic vision, much like the approach of Yoda, the Jedi Master from Star Wars.

In this approach, Yoda empowers his Jedi apprentices, such as Luke Skywalker, to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions. He provides guidance and support, but allows them to lead the way and learn from their experiences.

This leadership style emphasizes trust in his team’s abilities and a focus on nurturing their growth and development. A manager leading from behind believes in the importance of individual initiative and learning from failure, while offering wisdom and encouragement from a position of support.

This approach is great for scalability but can be challenging to master. It exposes the team to tougher technical and communication challenges, fostering real growth and productivity within the company.

Overall

Leading from the front or behind is not a definitive choice; it depends on the team’s seniority and the situation. Lead from the front in high-pressure situations and from behind when things are more stable.

Be aware of where you are leading from — either in the front or behind. Avoid being in the middle, as this leads to chaos. While I don’t believe there is an actual “middle,” this is a way of saying that you should pay attention to how you are leading.

Decision Making

Making decisions is a fundamental aspect of being a manager, and it’s important to approach it with confidence and clarity.

Be Decisive

Not taking a decision is often worse than making the wrong decision. As a manager, you’re expected to take the lead and be accountable for your choices. Avoid vague responses like “a bit of both” when faced with limited resources. Instead, be decisive when circumstances require it.

Act Quickly on Reversible Decisions

If a decision can be easily reversed in case it goes sideways, take it quickly. However, for decisions with more significant consequences, take the time to strategize and consider all options before committing.

Listen to Your Team

Your team members often have valuable insights and detailed knowledge that you may not have at higher organizational levels. Take the time to listen to their advice and consider their perspectives before making decisions. Their input can provide valuable insights that may influence your decision-making process.

Rely on Patterns and Best Practices

Before making a decision, consider whether there are established patterns or best practices to guide you. Chances are, you’re not the first person facing this decision. Reflect on whether abandoning standard practices aligns with your goals and the needs of your team. As a rule of thumb, if there’s no established guide advocating for a drastic change, it’s usually best to stick to proven methods.

Conclusion: Lead with Clarity and Confidence

In the fast-paced world of engineering management, effective leadership and decision-making are essential for success. Whether you’re leading from the front like Leonidas at Thermopylae or guiding from behind like Yoda in Star Wars, knowing where you stand and how to navigate different situations is key.

Remember, leading from the front builds trust and shields your team from danger, but be wary of micromanagement and overloading yourself with tasks. On the other hand, leading from behind empowers your team and fosters growth, but it requires finesse and trust in your team’s abilities.

When it comes to decision-making, be decisive and avoid indecision, act quickly on reversible decisions, and listen to your team’s insights. Rely on patterns and best practices to guide you, ensuring that your choices align with your goals and the needs of your team.

By leading with clarity and confidence, you create an environment where your team can thrive and achieve their goals. Embrace your role as a manager, nurture your team, and together, you can overcome any challenge and achieve success.

With these principles in mind, go forth and lead your team to greatness!