Here's how you can develop the necessary skills to effectively lead diverse engineering teams in the future.

Every successful leader i have met has always had an understanding of all the work their colleagues do and what their interests, skill sets and goals are. They do this so that they can give responsibilities that match the people they work with. But more importantly so that they give the right job to the right person. When i was working as a mechanic we often shared jobs between us. I worked on EV's every chance i got, my colleague repaired flooded wires and we had one technician that enjoyed doing general maintenance. The work was split this way initially not due to skill, but due to our own goals and interest. A couple of months in to our specialization, we were efficient and fast, but more importantly we were happy with our work day.

If all the people in your team think alike then it's time for you to change the team. Different backgrounds and perspectives breed creativity and out-of-the-box solutions. Every mindset needs to be valued and heard. This is also why managers should encourage all members in the team to be open and vocal with their opinions.

To instill a culture of continuous learning, implement a 'learning hour' each week where team members can explore new technologies or develop soft skills. This initiative not only keeps your team up-to-date but also stimulates engagement and creativity. Additionally, partner with technology vendors for workshops and webinars. Such activities demonstrate your investment in the team’s capabilities and keep everyone aligned with evolving industry standards.

If you do not change with the times then you would get left behind. In the initial phase of your career, this is mostly driven by external factors. A new project, manager mandate, or new job requirement. But in later years, there is less external pressure to keep up. It becomes extremely important then that you yourself make it a mission and a habit to constantly explore and stay updated. You do not need to learn every new thing in the market but a general awareness is required.

It's uncanny how much someone can learn by just talking to people. They just need to be curious and receptive to the knowledge coming their way. Be open to discussing the new advancements with your team. If someone mentions something you don't know, be honest and ask them for more details. "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life." — Confucius

Incorporate scenario planning sessions where your team can explore potential future developments and brainstorm responses. This exercise not only prepares the team for various outcomes but also enhances their ability to think critically and strategically. Encourage your team to think about 'what if' scenarios regularly and discuss how current projects can be adapted to meet future challenges or opportunities.

Talk to people in the industry. In an industry like Technology where things change every day, it is very important to keep a finger on the pulse. Evaluate how certain changes can affect you and take precautions accordingly. Have backups in place in case you need to make quick changes or upgrades.

Once there lived a priest who prayed daily to God for giving him a glimpse on Heaven and Hell. Finally, God decided to give him a guided tour, under 1 condition that he should maintain strict silence. When agreed, God took priest to common dinning hall where a grand party was served for all heaven and hell inhabitants. Priest returned shining face. God asked what did u see difference in heaven & hell. Priest replied.. Both heaven & hell inhabitants had some issues with their hand and was not able to bend their hand to keep food into their own mouth. However in heaven area eating continued as one person fed his opposite one, while in hell it was full of confusion and arguments.. By fostering collaboration you make work place heaven.

It is an extremely important skill for any person leading others. They need to be able to step into their team member's shoes and see things from their perspective. Otherwise, they would end up as dictators. Talk to your team and listen very closely. Give your opinions at the very end when you have heard everyone else. Take your own decisions but explain your reasons to the team when those decisions go against the advice of the majority.

A book that became a classic and a must-read regarding this topic is The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. It's a cliche at this point, but with a good reason. When talking about inclusivity and diversity, it's all about learning about different cultures, backgrounds, and thought processes. Reading this book is an excellent way to unearth things you might need to be more aware of and kick-start learning more about the topic.

Consider the importance of mental health in the workplace. Engineering can be a high-stress field, and leaders should be equipped to recognize signs of burnout or mental fatigue. Provide resources like mental health days or access to counseling services. Promoting mental well-being is critical in maintaining a productive, happy team and should be considered as part of your strategic leadership approach.