You're aiming to lead in electronic engineering. What qualities will set you apart as a successful leader?

Have a visionary insight. This means being able to see the future of electronic engineering and shaping it. It's about being able to think beyond the current trends and technologies, and envisioning what's possible. It's about having a clear direction and being able to inspire others to follow.

In one of my previous projects, I noticed that the team was focused on optimizing existing solutions. I took a step back and envisioned how we could push the boundaries by leveraging emerging technologies. This shift in perspective not only inspired the team but also led us to explore new applications for our products, opening up a new market segment.

Definitely need to be looking ahead, at new technological advances coming and at how they can improve designs and products. Always try to find ways to future-proof your designs.

Demonstrating strong technical mastery in electronic engineering is key to becoming a successful leader. Staying updated with the latest advancements allows you to make informed decisions and guide your team effectively. Leading by example, with hands-on knowledge of complex systems, builds credibility and fosters trust. Encouraging innovation and problem-solving within the team enhances both individual and collective performance. Balancing technical expertise with strategic vision ensures that you can drive both immediate project success and long-term growth.

Technical Expertise Deep understanding of technology: A strong foundation in electronic engineering principles is essential. Adaptability to emerging trends: The ability to stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies. Problem-solving skills: The capacity to tackle complex technical challenges and find innovative solutions.

I've spent years improving my skills in electronics, and I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. This helps me guide my team better and spot technical issues early, making projects run more smoothly.

Needing technical skills to be an engineering leader goes without saying, but all the technical skills in the world won't help you if you cannot communicate. You have to be able to provide status up the chain, provide guidance to people down the chain, successfully argue for budget for tools or to increase headcount. You have to get agreement from team members and from people on other teams you work with, who may be engineers in different fields, like Mechanical, Thermal, SW, as well as human factors, customer support, or many others. You must clearly give the right amount of detail to each audience. If you can't do that then you will never be seen as a leader.

I once led a team through a high-pressure period with tight deadlines. Recognizing the mounting stress, I took the time to understand each team member’s concerns and motivators. By doing so, I could provide personalized support and encouragement, resulting in a more engaged and resilient team.

One of the best managers I've worked for started as a Mechanical Engineer, then managed a manufacturing team, then got another degree and moved to the Finance department, before returning to engineering management. She knew little about electronics, but knew a lot about people and how to get them to perform well. I guess sometimes being extremely good technically is not required to be a good leader of an engineering team.