Why Communication, Influence, and Leadership Matter as Much as Technical Expertise
Written by: Susan Ottmann, MS, BS, Director of Professional Programs, UW–Madison
For many engineers, career success has long been defined by technical skill, designing, building, and solving problems with precision. But today’s engineering challenges do not happen in isolation. They require cross-functional teams, organizational buy-in, and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, actionable strategies.
That is where communication, influence, and leadership become just as important as technical expertise. Strong communication ensures ideas are understood by colleagues, executives, and clients who may not share a technical background. Influence helps engineers advocate for the best solutions, secure resources, and align diverse stakeholders. Leadership allows technical professionals to inspire teams, guide projects, and drive change across an organization.
Research consistently shows that engineers who pair technical mastery with these power skills advance further and create greater impact. They are the ones asked to lead critical projects, shape strategy, and represent their organizations externally. Conversely, engineers who neglect these areas can find their expertise underutilized or overlooked.
The good news is these skills are not innate. They can be learned and strengthened over time. Through targeted continuing education, engineers can practice real-world scenarios, gain feedback, and apply frameworks for influence and leadership.
In the end, the most effective engineers are not only excellent problem solvers but also compelling communicators, trusted influencers, and authentic leaders. By developing these capabilities alongside technical depth, engineers position themselves and their organizations for lasting success.
- Practice Communicating with Nontechnical Audiences
Seek opportunities to present your work to colleagues outside your specialty or community groups. Focus on simplifying complex ideas, using analogies, and connecting your message to real-world impact. This builds confidence in tailoring communication to diverse audiences.
- Build Influence Through Relationships
Influence grows from trust. Take time to understand stakeholders’ priorities, ask questions, and listen actively. Look for small wins where your ideas support others’ goals. Over time, these relationships give your technical recommendations greater weight and credibility.
- Develop Leadership by Stepping Into Small Roles
Leadership does not always mean managing a large team. Volunteer to lead a small project, facilitate a meeting, or mentor a junior colleague. These experiences provide a safe environment to practice guiding others, making decisions, and setting direction, which are all foundational leadership skills.