How To Find Support As An Engineering Manager
Leadership is challenging. Build a support network and don't go it alone.
The job of an Engineering Manager can be challenging, isolating, and confusing.
New managers and those going through career transitions need more training and support. You suddenly go from
being responsible for your work only to being responsible for the output of an entire team. (IC→Manager)
being responsible for an organisation and managing managers (Manager→Director)
being responsible for running a business (Director→VP)
The Problem
As a manager, you might
struggle with work-life balance
find yourself stressed by a difficult situation
feel isolated and need someone to talk to
need training and guidance to grow your career.
To make things worse, it’s hard for a leader to know where to go for help. Few leaders want to be vulnerable with their manager or team (no matter how nice they are) for obvious reasons.
The bad news is that your manager isn’t always the right person to ask for help.
When I transitioned to a director role, I needed more training and support, so I sought executive coaching. This was one of the best things I have done personally, and it gave me the emotional support and clarity I needed.
So, Who do you turn to for help as a manager?
5 Ways To Find Support
Building a strong support network is one of the best things you can do for your career as a manager.
Here are 5 tactics I recommend to all managers.
1. Build Your Internal Network
Many other leaders within your company will need help with the same problems as you: lack of training, support, stress, and difficult, ambiguous problems for which no playbook exists.
Reach out to people across the company and see if they would be interested in having a 1:1. Ask them what they are struggling with and offer to discuss solutions. Remember the law of reciprocity. Offer to help them with their problems, and they will be more open to helping you with yours.
When I have done this personally, I’ve always found it valuable to see that other managers are dealing with similar problems and challenges.
Tip: Build your network by scheduling 1:1s with managers across your company.
2. Executive Coaching
I recommend everyone try coaching when facing significant career struggles, such as adjusting to a new role.
Coaching can be expensive, and quality can vary widely. See if your company is willing to sponsor your coaching.
Most coaches offer an initial introduction call to determine whether they are a good fit for you.
Tip: Speak to various coaches and find the right person for you.
3. Build Your External Network
I recommend building a network outside and inside your current company. With social media, this has become much easier.
If you’re expecting any help, remember to build a relationship first. Don’t take without giving first. Offer to schedule a call to listen and support someone. Ask if they want advice or just someone to listen.
Tip: Build your external network by offering help without expecting anything in return.
4. Join A Community
Communities offer a forum for asking other managers for help and advice on topics you’re struggling with.
If you’re interested in finding help from other managers, I’m building a community for software engineering managers, executive leaders, and software engineers interested in the management path. Join for free here.
5. Keep Learning
One reason managers feel stressed is the need for more training and knowledge. Management requires many skills that are rarely taught. Several course books are available to managers online and are worth exploring.
One recent book I recommend is The Engineering Leader: Strategies for Scaling Teams and Yourself by Cate Huston.
To level up as an engineering leader, join the Engineering Leadership Academy - a community designed to help you build the knowledge, skills, and systems you need to be an effective engineering leader without having to figure it out alone and without burnout.
When you join this community, you will get:
Courses and guides for Engineering Managers
Support for questions or problems you are facing
A community who can provide advice and support
Community and group calls to discuss engineering leadership topics
Get In Touch
I’d love to connect: