Most engineers think their job is just to deliver the technical work. Drawings done, analysis complete, box checked. Wrong. The engineers who win long term are the ones who manage stakeholder expectations. That means clear updates, fast pivots, and taking ownership of communication—even when it feels uncomfortable or “not your job.” In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down how to stop hiding behind deliverables and start leading by managing expectations. Not theory—practical, tactical advice you can apply today.
Key Topics Covered
• Why engineers disappear between milestones—and how it kills trust
• Stakeholder management: what it actually means and why it matters
• Defining who your stakeholders really are (hint: it’s more than your PM)
• The silent career killer: assumptions about expectations
• The four rules of communication that put you in the top 1% of engineers
• How to set the cadence when stakeholders don’t know their own needs
• Escalating communication—from email to phone to face-to-face
• Why weekly updates make you sharper, not just more visible
• Turning updates into career leverage long after the project ends
• How to stand out in industries where poor communication is the norm
Actionable Steps
• Identify your primary stakeholders at the start of every project
• Ask directly: “What are your expectations and how do you want updates?”
• Commit to unprompted weekly updates—concise and outcome-focused
• Respond to requests within 24 hours; follow up if no reply in 48 hours
• Escalate channels: email → call → in person if needed
• Document how stakeholders want deliverables packaged and presented
• Share problems immediately—don’t wait for the next meeting
• Use updates to force clarity on progress and gaps
• Track commitments from stakeholders too, not just your team
• End every update with clear action items and next steps
Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers who think communication is “extra” work
• ICs who feel overlooked despite strong technical skills
• Early-career engineers learning how to stand out fast
• Burned-out engineers stuck firefighting instead of leading
• Anyone tired of being blindsided by shifting expectations
Why It Matters
Your technical work may get you in the door, but it won’t set you apart. What sets apart the most impactful engineers is how they manage visibility, expectations, and trust. If you can make stakeholders feel confident that you’re always on it, your reputation skyrockets. Projects succeed. Careers accelerate. That’s the real multiplier.
Where to Listen
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts
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