What I talk about.
I've been working in the IT industry for over two decades, and while technologies have changed, Technology itself, with a capital T, has become more pervasive. Most engineers initially focus on learning specific technologies, only to realize later that technology is just a small piece of the puzzle.
We're constantly told to 'keep up' with the latest trends like AI, IoT, blockchain, etc., to make our CVs more 'marketable.' However, technology is rarely the problem when it comes to being a good engineer. Schools teach us how to learn, so anyone can learn any technology if they decide to.
Ubiquitous access to information is leveling the playing field. For instance, COBOL engineers are currently in high demand for migrating business operations to the cloud, even though COBOL appeared in 1959.
In my experience, people skills are often the most crucial factor that makes or breaks engineers. In this series, I'll address some of the other important skills for engineers beyond just technical knowledge.
The importance of building your circle of trust
As engineers, having a "circle of trust" – a small group of trusted advisors who can provide candid feedback and diverse perspectives – is invaluable for nurturing and strengthening our ideas. This post explores how building and investing in such a circle can elevate our work, foster personal growth, and create a ripple effect of empathy and collaboration throughout teams and organizations. It offers practical strategies for networking, seeking feedback, and reciprocating support within your circle. By embracing the iterative nature of idea development and welcoming diverse viewpoints, engineers can unlock their full potential and drive innovation.
Empathy might be the one skill every engineer should focus on
Empathy is critical for engineers since it allows us to better understand our customers, stakeholders, and team members.
