Top 10 Communities Engineering Managers and Leaders Should Be Part Of

Introduction

As an engineering manager or leader, you’re constantly balancing the demands of your team, the expectations of your company, and your own growth as a leader. It’s a lot to juggle, and while you may have a wealth of experience, sometimes you just need a sounding board—or a place to pick up new insights. That’s where being part of a community of like-minded leaders can make all the difference. Whether you’re seeking advice on handling a tricky situation, looking to stay on top of industry trends, or simply wanting to connect with peers who understand the unique challenges you face, the right community can be an invaluable resource.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together a list of ten top communities that every engineering manager and leader should consider joining. These communities are filled with experienced professionals who are eager to share their knowledge, offer support, and help you grow in your role. So, whether you’re new to management or a seasoned leader, there’s something here for you.

Importance of Community for Engineering Managers

Being an engineering manager can sometimes feel like you’re navigating uncharted waters. You’re not just responsible for the technical direction but also for the growth and well-being of your team. This role demands constant learning and adaptation, and that’s where being part of a community comes in. Surrounding yourself with peers who’ve been in your shoes can provide you with fresh perspectives, practical advice, and a safe space to discuss the challenges you’re facing. It’s like having a group of mentors and colleagues all rolled into one, ready to support you whenever you need it.

Communities also offer a unique opportunity to expand your network and build relationships with other leaders in the industry. Whether you’re attending a virtual meetup, joining a Slack discussion, or participating in a roundtable, you’re not just learning—you’re connecting. These interactions can lead to new ideas, collaborations, and even friendships that last throughout your career. Plus, knowing that you’re not alone in your journey can be incredibly reassuring, especially when you’re tackling tough decisions or navigating complex team dynamics.

Top 10 Communities for Engineering Managers and Leaders

1. Rands Leadership Slack

Description: Rands Leadership Slack is a vibrant online community named after Michael Lopp's (Rands) blog and book, "Managing Humans." It’s a place where engineering managers and leaders gather to discuss a wide range of topics from leadership and management to the latest in technology.

Why You Should Join: This community offers candid discussions with experienced managers, practical advice for real-world management scenarios, and a supportive environment where you can learn from others’ experiences. Whether you’re dealing with a challenging team dynamic or just looking for new ideas, this community has something valuable to offer.

How to Join: You can request an invite by visiting the Rands Leadership Slack page.

2. LeadDev

Description: LeadDev is a community built around conferences and online events that cater specifically to engineering leaders. It covers everything from team management and career development to technical strategy and beyond.

Why You Should Join: LeadDev is ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge through high-quality content and engage with a network of professionals who are passionate about leadership in tech. Their events and discussions are rich with insights that can help you tackle both day-to-day challenges and big-picture strategic issues.

How to Join: You can join the community by attending one of their events or participating in their online discussions. More information is available on the LeadDev website.

3. CTO Craft

Description: CTO Craft is a mentoring and peer-support community for CTOs and technology leaders. It offers a range of resources including roundtables, workshops, and a thriving Slack community.

Why You Should Join: CTO Craft is perfect if you’re looking for mentorship or peer support in your leadership role. The community is focused on the unique challenges faced by technology leaders, and it’s an excellent place to exchange ideas, seek advice, and build meaningful professional relationships.

How to Join: You can join by signing up for their community on the CTO Craft website.

4. Engineering Manager Slack (E-MGMT)

Description: Engineering Manager Slack (E-MGMT) is a dedicated Slack community where engineering managers share experiences, advice, and resources related to managing teams in the tech industry.

Why You Should Join: This community is highly focused on the day-to-day aspects of engineering management, making it a great place to get practical advice on everything from one-on-one meetings to performance reviews. The members are approachable and the discussions are often grounded in real-world scenarios.

How to Join: You can request an invite through this link.

5. Software Lead Weekly

Description: Software Lead Weekly is more than just a newsletter—it's a community of engineering leaders who are passionate about staying informed and improving their management skills. The newsletter curates valuable content each week, and there’s an accompanying Slack group for deeper discussions.

Why You Should Join: If you enjoy learning through curated content and want to discuss it with a community of like-minded leaders, Software Lead Weekly is an excellent choice. The Slack group is active, with discussions often diving deep into the topics covered in the newsletter.

How to Join: You can subscribe to the newsletter and join the Slack community via this link.

6. SRE Weekly

Description: SRE Weekly is a newsletter and community focused on Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), but it also provides valuable insights for engineering managers involved in infrastructure and reliability.

Why You Should Join: Even if you’re not an SRE, understanding the principles and practices of reliability can significantly enhance your leadership in engineering. This community is a great place to learn about cutting-edge practices in reliability, scalability, and infrastructure management.

How to Join: You can subscribe to the newsletter and explore community discussions through this link.

7. The Pragmatic Engineer Community

Description: Run by Gergely Orosz, The Pragmatic Engineer Community is a space where engineering leaders come together to discuss topics ranging from career development to engineering practices.

Why You Should Join: This community is particularly valuable for those who appreciate practical advice and real-world insights into engineering leadership. Gergely’s approach to sharing knowledge is down-to-earth and highly applicable, making this a must-join for those looking to grow in their role.

How to Join: You can join through Gergely’s Substack page.

8. Manager Tools

Description: Manager Tools is a community, and podcast focused on providing actionable advice for managers across all industries, with many resources tailored specifically for those in technical leadership roles.

Why You Should Join: If you’re looking for structured, no-nonsense advice on management, Manager Tools is an excellent resource. The community is supportive and the content is highly practical, helping you become a more effective leader.

How to Join: You can explore their resources and join the community via the Manager Tools website.

9. Lara Hogan’s Wherewithall

Description: Created by Lara Hogan, Wherewithall is a resource hub and community focused on coaching, leadership, and management, with a strong emphasis on empathy and effective communication.

Why You Should Join: If you’re interested in developing your coaching skills and leading with empathy, this community is for you. Lara Hogan’s approach to leadership is human-centric, making it a great resource for those looking to build strong, healthy teams.

How to Join: You can explore the resources and join the community on the Wherewithall website.

10. Women in Tech Leadership

Description: Women in Tech Leadership is a community dedicated to supporting women in leadership roles within the tech industry. It offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform to share experiences.

Why You Should Join: This community is an invaluable resource for women in engineering leadership roles, providing a supportive environment to connect, learn, and grow. It’s also a great space for allies who want to support diversity and inclusion in tech leadership.

How to Join: You can join by connecting through various Women in Tech groups and events, often found through platforms like Meetup, LinkedIn, or specific organizational websites.

How to Maximize the Value from These Communities

To get the most out of these communities, it’s important to be an active participant rather than just a passive observer. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences—this not only helps you learn but also builds your reputation within the community. Seek out mentorship opportunities, both as a mentor and a mentee, to deepen your connections and grow your leadership skills. Attend events, webinars, and meetups to stay informed and network with other leaders. Don’t forget to explore and utilize the wealth of resources these communities offer, such as newsletters, curated articles, and discussion threads, to keep your knowledge up-to-date and relevant.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, staying connected with a community of like-minded engineering leaders is more important than ever. By joining these top communities, you’ll not only gain access to valuable resources and insights but also build relationships that can support your growth as a leader. Whether you’re seeking advice, mentorship, or simply a place to share your challenges and successes, these communities offer a supportive environment that can make all the difference in your leadership journey. So, take the leap, get involved, and watch how your participation enriches both your career and your team.