Here's how you can distinguish technical roles from executive roles for engineers.

1 Core Focus

The core focus of a technical role is on problem-solving and innovation within a specific domain of engineering. If you're in a technical position, your day-to-day responsibilities might include conducting experiments, creating detailed designs, or developing new technologies. Your success is often measured by your ability to produce tangible results and advance the technical aspects of projects. In contrast, an executive role prioritizes leadership and organizational objectives, with a focus on aligning technical projects with business strategies.

2 Skill Set

In a technical role, your skill set is predominantly specialized. You need to have a strong grasp of engineering concepts, tools, and practices specific to your field. This might involve proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, understanding of material properties, or expertise in a particular type of engineering analysis. Executive roles, however, require a broader skill set that includes leadership, financial acumen, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across different departments.

3 Decision Making

Decision making in technical roles often revolves around selecting the best technical solution to a problem, based on data and proven methodologies. This requires analytical thinking and a detail-oriented approach. In executive roles, decision making is more strategic and involves considering the long-term impact on the organization. This includes financial implications, market trends, and the allocation of resources, which requires a visionary approach and the ability to lead through uncertainty.

4 Career Path

The career path for technical roles typically involves deepening your expertise and possibly moving into senior technical positions or becoming a subject matter expert. Your progression is largely based on your technical achievements and contributions to your field. In contrast, the path to an executive role often involves transitioning from technical expertise to roles that require managing teams, budgets, and strategic planning, which might lead to positions like Chief Technical Officer (CTO) or even Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

5 Impact Measurement

Measuring impact in technical roles is quite straightforward; it's based on the success of the projects you work on and the innovations you contribute to. Metrics might include the performance of a new system or the efficiency improvements of a process you designed. For executive roles, impact is measured on a broader scale, such as the growth of the company, market share, or overall profitability. Your influence on the company's direction and culture is also a significant aspect of your impact as an executive.

6 Interpersonal Dynamics

Interpersonal dynamics in technical roles often involve collaboration with fellow engineers and technical staff to solve complex problems. You're expected to be a team player who can communicate technical information effectively within your group. In executive roles, interpersonal skills are crucial for leading diverse teams, negotiating with partners, and presenting to boards or investors. Your ability to inspire and guide others toward a common vision is key to success in an executive capacity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?