For over a decade, I have been at the helm of millwork drafting and engineering teams, ranging from a modest group of three to a robust squad of over 85 individuals. During this journey, I have stumbled, learned, and grown immensely. Recently, I have collaborated with numerous millwork business owners grappling with the challenge of identifying or nurturing a potent engineering leader. Additionally, I have mentored several engineering leaders.
Here are some key insights from my journey:
1. A Stellar Engineer Does Not Equate to a Great Manager:
It is a common misconception that a top-notch engineer can effortlessly transition into a managerial role. An engineer who excels at completing work orders swiftly and accurately may struggle with teaching others or communicating effectively with clients and project management teams. Balancing team schedules, adapting to shifting priorities, and ensuring quality and precision are also crucial aspects of leadership that may not come naturally to a skilled engineer.
Looking to manage your millwork engineering team like a pro? look no further than these 6 steps:
A Simple Blueprint To Successfully Manage a Millwork Design Team2. Withholding Information is Counterproductive:
While it may seem prudent to shield your engineering leader from extraneous details to help them focus, it can inadvertently deprive them of the context necessary to make informed decisions and build trust in your leadership and the company’s mission. Providing clear and comprehensive directions, rather than vague requests, empowers your engineering leader to leverage their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the business.
In a recent interview with Casey Schlegle, he shares his culture-first approach
3. Diversify Your Team:
Although it may be contentious, it is imperative to hire more women in the millwork industry. Women often exhibit strengths in organization, communication, empathy, and multitasking. While these traits are not exclusive to any gender, diversifying your team can enhance its overall effectiveness and challenge the industry’s prevailing gender imbalance.
Hear Vicky Borkowski’s secrets of millwork recruiting
4. Leadership Development is Crucial:
The industry is woefully inadequate in developing and mentoring leaders. Many small, founder-led companies lack a culture of mentorship, leading to unrealistic expectations for emerging leaders. It is essential to understand your team members’ motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, and to manage them accordingly. Regular one-on-one meetings are invaluable for maintaining a strong rapport and addressing any concerns.
List to our interview with John Bostian where we design Developing Millwork Managers:
5. Invest in Developing Engineering Leaders:
Many business owners dream of discovering a prodigious millwork engineering leader who can contribute to the company for years to come. However, this is a rare occurrence. The industry is at a crossroads, with a diminishing number of technical leaders who have progressed from entry-level roles to more advanced positions. Investing in the development of young and eager talent is crucial for the future success of your business.
Check out our interview with Mark Smith to hear his advice on creating opportunities for advancement in the woodworking industry:
If you are committed to transforming your organization and addressing the common pitfalls outlined above, I would be delighted to engage in a conversation about how to alleviate your engineering bottleneck.