Joining a new company is like setting sail on an uncharted sea — it’s thrilling but makes your heart race a bit faster, especially when you’re just stepping into the shoes of an Engineering Manager. It’s a mixture of opportunities and challenges, technical skills, and the art of leadership.

Excitement is buzzing in your veins, and a hint of nervousness feels in your breath. This is a first week as an Engineering Manager at a new company. You’re greeted by a sea of new faces on Zoom calls and a labyrinth of unfamiliar processes described in the orientation documents. A quiet yet persistent voice in your head is whispering, “You’ve got to prove yourself here.” It’s a feeling many of us know all too well. It’s not just about managing projects or knowing the tech. It’s about leading different people you barely know yet, each with their own stories and skills.

The first few months after you join are more than just a transition. It’s the foundation of your journey ahead, a time that shapes how you and your team will live together.

Understanding the Challenges

When you’re stepping into a new environment, the landscape is dotted with various challenges. Most of them are deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the organization:

  • Adapting to Company Culture. Every company has its unique heartbeat — the culture. It’s the unspoken rules, how decisions are made, how successes are celebrated, and how failures are addressed. Understanding and adapting to them is critical for you as a newcomer.
  • Understanding Existing Team Dynamics. Teams are more than just a group of individuals working together. They have their own dynamics, histories, and relationships. As a new leader, you need to unravel these layers.
  • Aligning with Company Goals: Every company has its strategic goals and vision. An Engineering Manager’s key challenge is communicating them and aligning the team’s efforts with these broader objectives.

The initial phase is always a balancing act. The cultural shift from your previous workplace can be drastic if you move from a small company to a big one or vice versa. It takes patience and a genuine effort to adapt and embrace the new environment.

Envisioning Success

Stepping into a new company as an Engineering Manager is about finding the sweet spot where everyone’s unique abilities come together in a rhythm that results in steady progress toward a common goal.

Building Strong Team Relationships

Think of this part as growing a small community rather than just a team. It’s about seeing each team member as a person with dreams, strengths, and fears — not just another username on Slack. You want to build trust, understanding, and a sense of belonging. As a manager, knowing what makes each person tick helps align their aspirations with the collective goals.

Effective Project Management

Here’s where the technical part of your brain kicks in. Managing projects is more about plans and deadlines. It’s a complex puzzle with ever-changing pieces. Like a well-oiled machine, you want to smooth the workflow, always looking for ways to do things better, faster, and smarter.

Positive Impact

The real reward, though, is seeing the team grow. It’s about creating a space where challenges are approached with a cheer rather than a sigh. It’s quite fulfilling to see someone hesitant to speak up in meetings now leading discussions or proposing innovative solutions. You want to leave a legacy of a team that’s technically strong, vibrant, and full of life.

Strategies for a Successful Start

Stepping into the role of an Engineering Manager is an exciting and multi-dimensional experience that goes far beyond reading the job description.

First, you need to integrate yourself into the new company’s ecosystem, a journey that begins with a thorough review of the company’s policies, procedures, processes, and workflow. This initial step is not just about going through the handbook but delving into the underlying reasons behind each rule.

By attending orientations, engaging in meaningful conversations, and asking pertinent questions, you’ll understand the company’s core values and operational ethos, which is essential for aligning your approach with the organization’s goals.

You’ll also need to dive into the technical side of things — after all, you’re going to manage engineers, so you have to know what they’re doing. Start with cloning a few Github repos and setting up a local development environment. Understanding the basic code layout will help you build authority with engineers. You’ll need to understand the basics of the team’s technical processes — the code review, deployments, automation, etc.

Next comes the crucial phase of meeting your new team. This introduction is an opportunity to establish a connection beyond professional boundaries. Take the time to schedule initial one-on-one meetings focusing on work-related topics and getting to know each team member personally. Understand their career aspirations, hobbies, and interests to break the ice. Lay down the groundwork for solid professional relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

Another key aspect of this transition is setting clear expectations early on. It’s important to communicate what you expect from your team and what they can expect from you. Discuss preferred communication styles, project management approaches, frameworks, and feedback mechanisms. Set a tone of transparency to create a healthy and productive working environment.

Engage with other managers and stakeholders within the company to have a broader perspective on the company’s challenges and opportunities. Know your manager’s goals and expectations, and align your work with them from the beginning.

Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Find mentors within the organization who can offer help and information — these can be other managers or senior engineers who’ve been working in the team for a while. Leverage their experience and insights to navigate the nuances of your new role.

Stepping Forward with Confidence

Starting as an Engineering Manager in a new place is more than a career move. It’s a journey of personal and professional growth, even if you’ve been in this role before. It starts with getting to know the company’s heart — its policies and people, and feeling the rhythm.

Building genuine relationships with your team, manager, and key stakeholders is key. It’s about seeing each person beyond their job role and understanding their aspirations and challenges.

Originally published on Medium.com