New team help

Date : September 24, 2024
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New Team Help: Navigating Sustaining Engineering Management

Hello, super helpful community!

I recently embarked on a new journey as a sustaining engineering manager after spending my entire career in traditional product and manufacturing engineering. My background encompasses various fields, including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering, but this new role has thrown me into the deep end, particularly with half of my team working remotely and on disparate projects.

Understanding the Challenge

One of the primary challenges I face is understanding my team’s bandwidth and the projects they’re working on without coming across as a micromanager. With zero direction from upper management, we find ourselves tackling individual fires rather than aligning towards common goals. This scenario raises a critical question: how can I effectively manage a diverse team while fostering collaboration and transparency?

The Importance of Open Communication

The best strategy I’ve encountered, and one that resonates across successful management styles, is to initiate open communication. Here are some key steps to consider:

1. Establish Regular Check-Ins

Schedule regular one-on-one sessions with each team member. These meetings should be informal and focused on understanding their current projects, challenges, and workload. Encourage them to share not just the technical details but also any blockers they are facing. This will not only give you insight into their workload but also build a rapport that fosters trust.

Given the diversity in your team’s expertise, consider organizing knowledge-sharing sessions. These can be short, informal meetings where team members present what they’re working on, what challenges they face, and how others might help or learn from their experiences. Not only does this build a culture of collaboration, but it also enables you to understand the different domains better.

3. Invest Time in Learning Their Domains

One of the most effective ways to gain respect and build relationships with your team is to invest time in understanding their domains. This doesn’t mean you need to become an expert, but showing genuine interest in their work can go a long way. Attend workshops, read relevant materials, or even take online courses if possible. Your team will appreciate your efforts to learn and may be more willing to share insights with you.

4. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

Even though you’re currently in a reactive mode, it’s essential to start shifting towards a more proactive approach. Engage your team in discussions about setting clear goals and priorities. This could be done during team meetings or brainstorming sessions where everyone can contribute to defining what success looks like for them and the team as a whole.

5. Foster a Problem-Solving Culture

Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than just obstacles. By adopting a problem-solving mindset, you can help your team feel more empowered and engaged. Promote discussions around solutions and celebrate small wins together.

Learning from Experience: A Brief Anecdote

In my previous role, I faced a similar situation with a remote team spread across multiple time zones. Initially, I made the mistake of relying too much on emails and project management tools without establishing personal connections. As a result, I struggled to get a clear picture of their work and morale.

Realizing this, I shifted my approach to include regular video calls and informal “coffee chats.” The transformation was remarkable. Team members felt more valued and began sharing not only their technical challenges but also their ideas for improvement. This shift not only increased productivity but also fostered a sense of community within the team.

Conclusion

Navigating a new managerial position can be daunting, especially when faced with the complexities of remote work and diverse projects. By fostering open communication, investing in your team’s domains, and promoting collaboration, you can build a cohesive and effective team. Remember, the key to successful management lies not just in overseeing tasks but in empowering your team to thrive.

I’d love to hear from others in the community—what strategies have you found effective in similar situations? Let’s continue this dialogue and share our experiences!

Feel free to share your thoughts or additional tips in the comments below!

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