Developing Your Executive Connections | Unrestrained Enthusiasm

Building Your Engineering Leadership Peer Network: Tips and Tricks

Learning from peers is crucial in every role, and it becomes even more important in engineering executive roles where your peers’ perspectives provide valuable feedback. However, building a network of engineering leaders requires effort and dedication. In this article, we explore tips and tricks for using and building your engineering leadership peer network effectively while emphasizing the importance of an exchange of value in networking.

Using the Network

One of the significant advantages of having a peer network is that you can quickly find solutions to problems shared with them. Whether it is a question on a company’s engineering strategy or finding a first executive job, no topic is off-limits.

However, effective networking requires respect for your peers’ time and social capital. Instead of ambiguous and confusing requests, one to three questions sent via email, lunch or dinner with people you enjoy spending time with, or exploring hobbies or activities together are great ways to get the ball rolling.

If, however, these approaches don’t work for you, you can seek help to review your request as any good request should be specific, concise, and straightforward, making it easy for the recipient to understand and respond.

Building the Network

Building a network, at times, can be daunting, particularly for new executives. However, having a more focused approach to the expansion of your network can ease the process. For instance, working to meet infrastructure engineering leaders who solve similar scalability issues you face or those working at vendors that you depend on heavily.

Moreover, spending time working at a large, fast-growing company in a central tech hub can significantly build your network. Five years later, your colleagues may have spread across the industry, and this can be a great opportunity to tap into your network.

Cold Outreach

Lastly, sending quick, concise notes to folks near your network can help build your network quickly. The rule of thumb is to keep it short, ask a specific question, and avoid directly asking for time. However, it’s acceptable to offer time yourself. If you don’t get a response, avoid pinging for follow-up.

Conclusion

Networking is not a magic bullet, but doing it effectively and with the right mindset can significantly boost your career. Building and using your engineering leadership peer network takes effort, but it’s the best investment you can make to maximize your learning experience.