[warrenm]

In short, it's the small talk that isn't so "small"

Regardless of whether you're an "engineer" or not, you need to have an understanding of what your management chain views both the goals of the company, the goals for your team, and how whatever it is you do fits into that

Those conversations should be organic and natural, but far too many folks (especially those of the "engineering" bent) either never ask, or ask only obliquely during annual reviews

Not having an understanding of how what you do affects the organizations units you are in is one of the greatest contributing factors to employee restlessness and complaining

If you know why you're there, you're more likely to stay - or to find a team where you'd be a better fit