For anyone stepping into a leadership role within an engineering context, the challenge of maintaining a balance between technical expertise and leadership skills can seem daunting. How does one navigate this intricate dance between the hard, technical skills that got you to this position and the soft, interpersonal skills you need to succeed as a leader?
Think of your organization as a garden full of different types of plants, each with its own unique needs and requirements. As a leader, it’s your job to ensure that each plant is nurtured and cared for properly. You must understand the unique characteristics of each plant, provide them with the right amount of water and sunlight, and prune them when necessary to ensure that they grow strong and healthy. Just as a gardener must be able to anticipate the needs of each plant and provide them with the proper care, a good leader must be able to anticipate the needs of each department and provide them with the support they need to succeed. It can be done only when leading with emotional intelligence and empathy.