WorkCookie - Get Ahead with Industrial/Organizational Psychology in the Workplace Ep. 281 - Engineering Leadership: From Engineer to Leader (Mastering the Human Side of Technical Leadership)
Nov 3, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Tom Ulrich, an engineering leader and author of *Leading Engineers*, shares insights from his extensive career in medical device software. He reveals the challenges engineers face when transitioning to leadership, emphasizing essential soft skills like communication and humility. Tom explains how to balance technical credibility with influence and highlights the importance of fostering collaboration among teams. He also discusses coaching reluctant engineers into leadership and sustaining their growth through continuous learning.
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Sudden Promotion Shock
- Tom Ulrich was introduced as a manager without being asked and discovered leadership by surprise.
- He felt betrayed when former peers reacted as if he caused all company problems overnight.
Two Engines Of Influence
- Effective engineering leaders use both expertise and relationship power to influence.
- Engineers should not fake technical knowledge and must invest in building relationships and referent power.
Train Presentation Skills Systematically
- Practice communication deliberately with book clubs, presentation training, and rotational demos.
- Model good presentations, give private feedback, and make presentation skill a team priority.
