What is an engineering leadership style?
Whether intentional or not, every engineering manager has a leadership style. This is because an engineering leadership style is no more than salient beliefs reflected in actions over a period of time. Let’s break down this definition.
Leadership styles reflect salient beliefs. If your strongest belief is that engineering managers’ role is to serve their teams, you will develop a servant leadership style. If your primary belief or interest is in mentoring and teaching your team, you will develop a coaching leadership style. If your primary belief or concern is controlling your team’s actions, you will develop a commanding or micromanaging leadership style. Everyone holds many beliefs, some of which may be conflicting or competing, so it is the salient beliefs that tend to win out and define your leadership style.
Beliefs must be reflected in actions to become a part of your leadership style. Your actions develop and...