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  • 1.  Most Critical Core Values of The Firm Wherein I Commit My Career

    Posted 08-03-2019 11:18 AM
    Sometime after you have worked within your firm of choice, you will come to a place where you will calibrate the alignment of your values and expectations with that you have experienced within your employer's organization. Please consider providing feedback without naming employers as follows:
    • Criteria: Respect, Integrity, Helpfulness, Teamwork, Dependability, Competence, Gender-Neutral.

    • Select any four Criteria (out of 7): Rate each of the four from 1 to 5, with "1" meaning "Very Poor" and "5" Excellent."

    • Your Brief Comments: For those rated 1 and 2, briefly explain why.

    Based on interest, we'll see where this takes us next.
    Cheers,
    Bill

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    William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
    Buffalo, N.Y.

    "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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  • 2.  RE: Most Critical Core Values of The Firm Wherein I Commit My Career

    Posted 08-16-2019 10:10 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 08-16-2019 10:09 AM
    Bill:  A nice concept. However, I would add one more criteria- the ability to learn.The first 8-10 years should be the time to learn as many different things that one can - including constructability, design for safety, and more. During this period, it is good time to observe your good criteria items, but don't let them get in the way of your learning. Don't even think ahead to promotions or a career during this period.

    A quote from an old sci-fi movie- the chief scientist is asked about his career. He replied "I have no career- I work".

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    James Worrell
    Mostly Retired
    PE, RLS (retired)
    Raleigh NC
    jimworrell@...
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Most Critical Core Values of The Firm Wherein I Commit My Career

    Posted 08-20-2019 08:14 AM
    I wish to echo and elaborate on James Worrell's comment. One of the primary criteria I've always used when aligning values is the ability to grow. Does the culture support growth, including professional development? Are opportunities available to grow within a role? Is their advancement potential down the road (i.e. are people generally promoted from within)? Is the culture one of empowerment and willingness to adapt and innovate? 

    As a cultural value, growth can show up in a number of ways: for example adaptability, transparency, or a culture of innovation. But, the initial criteria listed: Respect, Integrity, Helpfulness, Teamwork, Dependability, Competence, Gender-Neutral, can all be in place, yet the culture could still be one where status-quo is preferred and new/innovative ideas are squashed in the name of the interpretation of the word "respect." Many employees believe - rightly or wrongly - that demonstrating "respect" means they cannot question/disagree with leaders or managers, which is true in some organizations and not in others.   

    If I add growth to the criteria list, I'd say the top four I've looked for in a work culture are: Competence, Integrity, Growth, Respect. Specifically for respect, that includes a demonstrated respect for diversity.

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    Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE


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