<aside> ℹ️ A checklist for software engineering leaders to build their Engineering Guild.

Read more on Practical Engineering Management: https://www.practicalengineering.management/p/why-your-engineering-guild-is-quietly-failing

</aside>

1. Identify the Core Members 👥

• [ ] Form a small, passionate group of engineers ready to champion the guild.
• [ ] Appoint at least 1–2 committed individuals who will drive early engagement and help you refine the guild’s vision.

2. Define Your North Star ⭐

• [ ] Workshop key objectives and values with your core team (e.g., code quality, autonomy, happiness).
• [ ] Display these objectives in a central location (Notion, wiki, or shared slides) to keep everyone aligned.

Example

• Real-life example objectives focused on the team rather than the company:

3. Establish Meeting Cadence and Format 📅

• [ ] Choose a predictable rhythm (biweekly or monthly).
• [ ] Set recurring invites for at least 12 months to ensure consistency. Avoid scheduling each meeting separately.
• [ ] Decide on a general format: technical deep dives, open discussions, or a mix.

5. Create an Agenda Structure 📝

• [ ] Outline a clear plan for each meeting (e.g., company updates, data review, open forum).
• [ ] Invite volunteers to present topics or lead discussions—this fosters ownership and variety.