Here's how you can gain leadership experience as an entry-level engineer early in your career.

In the early stages of your career, it’s crucial to seize opportunities that allow you to work on multiple parallel tracks or various topics. This approach not only benefits the company but also serves as a significant career booster, helping you develop key skills and maturity as you navigate different challenges. Volunteering for diverse projects can: - Enhance collaboration and teamwork with individuals from various skill sets. - Increase your visibility across teams as a problem solver who embraces challenges. - Improve your technical, domain knowledge, communication, negotiation, and soft skills. These are essential ingredients for building a successful professional career.

I think that to be a good leader, first of all you need to be honest. And I think you should respect every person, whether small or big, and learn good things from them. One more thing, you should definitely take advice from people who are older than you, whether they work under you or above you. #ArshadMirza

In early stages of an career one should be: Be a Thinker, Not Merely a Doer. ... Take Proactive Action. ... Volunteer Beyond Your Job. ... Respectfully Challenge the Status Quo. ... Ask Questions and Listen for Wisdom.

Seek a Mentor. Learning to navigate your surroundings can spare you much frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment. Notice your established co-workers (than 5 years at the company) - Who do people speak well of? Who do your teammates trust? Respect? Who's do you feel comfortable around? Who's style do you relate to? Express to that co-worker their traits you admire, that you would like to learn from them, and ask if they would consider being a mentor to you. Not everyone will be willing or have time. Respect their time. Debates, complaints, and long stories will likely lose their interest. Express your desire to handle tasks well, and are eager to tackle projects they recommend. And most of all, Follow Through on your commitments.

I see mentors are the great contributor of your confidence. Mentors detects and improve your weakness and directs you to the right exposure. Learning and doing the trade with mentors aknowledging if your doing right or wrong will boost your confidence in a given situation.

Having a mentor can significantly accelerate your leadership development. A mentor can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer insights into how to handle leadership challenges. Example: In your banking project, identify a senior engineer or a project manager who has demonstrated strong leadership skills. Approach them and express your interest in learning more about leadership. They might involve you in decision-making processes or allow you to observe how they manage the team, giving you first-hand leadership insights. Book Recommendation: The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy: This book explores the impact of mentorship in leadership and how to build relationships that encourage growth.

Seek Mentorship: - Find a mentor who is experienced in leadership - Schedule regular meetings for guidance and feedback - Be open and honest about your goals and aspirations - Ask for advice on leadership development - Show appreciation and gratitude for mentorship

Buscar un mentor o referente sirve mucho para imitar conductas y estilos que admiremos, pero nunca debemos olvidar el desarrollar nuestro estilo propio, coherente con nuestros pensamientos y valores. Es decir, alineado con nuestra forma de ser. Hay que aprender de los demás, pero también no quedar bajo la sombra de nadie.

As an engineer at any experience level being humble and listening to all perspectives is key to growth. Often an engineer is who has the technical expertise to solve the problems of others. But you're not going to SOLVE problems without actively listening to understand the entire problem, and being humble enough to incorporate all thoughts and perspectives in to the best solution. Take these 2 traits to heart and you'll not only grow as an engineer, but you'll naturally rise as a leader.

Improve Soft Skills: - Focus on communication, teamwork, and time management - Take courses or attend workshops to enhance skills - Practice active listening and empathy - Develop conflict resolution and negotiation skills - Learn to give and receive constructive feedback

Soft skills is like connecting yourself to others. It is necessary that we understand what others expectations are rightfully and we are able to deliver our response in the right package. Society is diverse, there is no one straight action and reaction. So it is important to equip ourselves with the softskills required for the situation.

Now you got involved in learning and also you got a mentor then apart from specific knowledge or expertise of your domain you also require to upgrade your soft skills to be a good professional and a leader. So, improve your soft skills like communication style, active listening, confidence, time management, assertiveness, team work, team building etc.

Leadership isn’t just about technical expertise; it also requires strong soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Start working on these skills early. Example: During team meetings in your banking project, practice active listening and clear communication. Offer to present updates or summarize discussions. This not only enhances your visibility but also helps you build the communication skills essential for leadership. Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: A classic book on communication and interpersonal skills that are crucial for leadership.

Leadership isn't management. Sounds simple, but gain leadership experience by leading. You can lead your peers in projects. You can mentor newbies. Leadership can often be summarised as the ability to inspire others to achieve a specific goal with enthusiasm, and to the right standard. You don't need to be a manager with direct reports to do this. Take the initiative and volunteer for roles that can provide these experiences, or work with people who can demonstrate how to do this well.

As a young engineer, there is more to learn everyday and everywhere. More senior engineers may be around but it is up to the young engineer to show interest. Giving an extra effort early on in your career is important as it builds teamplaying skills within a person, it also enables the more experienced individuals to help with more of their long experiences and knowledge. Taking the initiative makes one a better leader who understands more than one who follows. It also builds an innovative mind as one is more industrious by taking the lead hence able to identify solutions to likely problems. Taking the initiative make one a critical thinker and is useful in troubleshooting and problem solving. He or she is a resourceful person.

Understand the entire business and not just your job. Spend time with co-workers in other teams to learn about the entire organization. This will make you better informed about the big picture for decision making.

Power is not given; it's taken. What defines a true leader is the ability to act when others hesitate. You can start small by suggesting improvements to day-to-day processes or taking on additional responsibilities, especially when they are outside your role description.

Don't wait for leadership opportunities to come your way; take the initiative to create them. Propose new ideas or improvements to current processes that benefit your team or company. Demonstrating strategic thinking and a commitment to adding value can capture the attention of higher-ups, positioning you as a potential leader. By being proactive, you not only contribute to the success of your organization but also pave the way for your own career advancement.

Now you have completed your journey from Novice to professional than for consistency and also for upgrading yourself please join some professional courses/classes or groups. This will help you to become a good leader. You can also join some networking groups from different industry leaders. Also you can enroll some professional institutions/licensing institutions from there you can get professional certificate or license.

1. Initiate your open-source project. 2. Introduce the online chat and demonstrate it to the users. 3. Engage with individuals who possess greater knowledge than you for as long as possible.

Networking and learning from others in your industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities to develop leadership skills. Professional groups often offer leadership training, workshops, and opportunities to lead projects or initiatives. Example: Join a professional group like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or a financial technology association. Participate in their events, volunteer for committees, or lead small projects. This involvement allows you to practice leadership in a lower-stakes environment and expand your professional network. Book Recommendation: The Networking Playbook by J. Kelly Hoey: This book provides strategies for building effective networks, which are crucial for leadership growth.

Join Professional Groups: - Research industry-specific groups or organizations - Attend conferences, meetups, or webinars - Network with experienced professionals - Participate in online forums or discussions - Stay updated on industry trends and best practices

Professional groups are networks to keep up with the evolving developments of the experties or technologies you belong. It is important to be up to date, know whom to approach when you need and where you can develop you influence.

You are a professional with all skills. Now it's time to reflect your learnings into your act/work. Always show growth mindset. Remember that there is a journey from comfort zone to growth zone. So, always show growth mindset instead of Fixed mindset. Personal Effectiveness, Managerial Effectiveness, Opearational Effectiveness these are the 3 qualities required to be a successful leader.

Regular self-reflection is key to growing as a leader. After each project or leadership experience, take the time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Set personal goals for continual growth. Example: After completing your role in the banking project, reflect on your contributions. Did you effectively communicate with your team? Were there any leadership challenges you struggled with? Use this reflection to identify areas for improvement and seek feedback from peers or mentors. Book Recommendation: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: This book explores the importance of a growth mindset in personal and professional development.

Reflect and Grow: - Regularly reflect on your experiences and challenges - Identify areas for personal and professional growth - Set goals and develop a plan for improvement - Seek feedback from mentors, peers, and managers - Celebrate accomplishments and learn from failures

Reflecting on your leadership growth in engineering management helps you recognize your strengths and areas for improvement. You’ve developed skills in decision-making, communication, and motivating your team, creating a positive work environment. However, improving in conflict resolution, delegation, and time management remains crucial. Applying feedback, mentoring others, and continuous learning will keep you on the path of growth, helping you become an even more effective leader.