Professional and Career Topics

The advice contained within this attached document, while dated, seems to this writer, to be
in large part, "Timeless."

Wonder what "Top 7 Learning Lessons" you might take away from this,
as applied to:
a. Your professional career.

b. Imparting to engineering students.

c. Advice to your new engineering hires.

Thank you for reading and considering this post.

Cheers.

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William Hayden Ph.D., P.E., CP, F.ASCE
Amherst NY

"It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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This book was given to all new employees in my first organization.  I was fortunate to work with people that embraced its points.

Just yesterday, while unpacking my bookshelf for my new job, I pulled out my copy.  The first chapter still rings true, even as an experienced professional in a new role.  I remember the book being used to reinforce the idea of "completed staff work".  In retrospect, I also identify with the point about being careful in the selection of your senior engineers and supervisor.

I am now spending more time with the chapter for managers.  I have seen many good engineers that have struggled as managers, and this chapter would be a good starting point for reflection and mentoring.  It's simple language and message is probably a good fit for those who might consider other business books to be too fluffy.

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Steven Splitek, P.E., PMP, ENV SP
Denver, CO
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Thank you for posting this.  Sage advice is timeless.

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Barbara Salvini P.E., M.ASCE
Owner
Barbara A.B. Salvin
Ramona CA
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"It is much safer to risk having your supervisor say, 'Don't bother me with so many details,' than to allow your supervisor to ask, 'Why doesn't someone tell me these things?'"

Great advice in a number of ways.  Most managers don't like surprises; I know I don't.  Also, I've always felt there are more mistakes (and miscommunication) attributed to under-explaining vs. over-explaining.  As mentioned in another section of the paper, the key is to learn to boil down the information to eliminate the "dead-wood" while still thoroughly explaining the scenario.    

Great paper, thanks for posting.  BD

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Bryan Danielsen P.E., M.ASCE
Director of Business Development - Construction Services
Lamb-Star Engineering
Plano TX
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