Eva, there are many, many good books out there about leadership. I have found most to be a waste of time. They contain good information but use 10,000 too many words and too much jargon of the day. The one simple book for new managers that probably helped me the most is "The Three Minute Manager". An old timer but simple and to the point. I would add integrity to the list of characteristics that you have been given. Also, getting to know subordinates on an informal basis, knowing names and using them in conversations, and getting out to visit all elements under your charge. As a utility director, I would go into the field while the line techs were fixing pipes or pump stations, or the operators were running their plants. I would greet the women/men by their names, shoot the bull a little, then ask them if they had any suggestions or ideas that I could implement that would help them do their jobs better. If I had called them into my office to ask these questions, they would tend to freeze up with anxiety. I also tried to be fair in meting out discipline when necessary. My motto was to step on their toes without ruining the shine.
As to the benefits of professional organizations like ASCE, I can't say enough about how they helped me advance my career. The key is not only to join, but to be active. Start at the local level and attend meetings. Volunteer to be on committees in your area of expertise. Run for local offices. Volunteer for national committees. Follow through on assignments. The benefits of this is that your colleagues will get to know and respect you. I have never had to apply for any of the jobs I had during my 45+ year career because I was offered jobs by colleagues that I networked with and who knew me through association work. Good luck on your endeavor at the Texas CECON.
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Bevin Beaudet P.E., M.ASCE
President/Owner
Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
West Palm Beach FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2019 09:22
From: Eva Schexnider
Subject: Traits and Qualities of Leaders in the Industry
I am collecting data for a research poster that I will be presenting at the ASCE Texas Section's 2019 CECON. The subject is what engineers, engineering students, or others in the engineering industry, believe to be the most important traits and qualities of leaders in the industry. My research poster will explore degrees, certifications, licensure, and how organization memberships - specifically the American Society of Civil Engineers - have played a role in leadership development. Young engineers will be able to visualize the pathways of current leaders in the industry and allow them to compare commonalities as they follow their own pathway to leadership.
-What qualities and traits do you believe makes a great leader in an engineering industry? Some of the most popular answers I have received so far are experience, knowledge, passion, and effective communication.
-What other advice would you give to a young engineer who would like to be a leader one day?
-How much do you believe organizational membership impacts a professional career? In what ways?
You can also find the survey at https://lnkd.in/eQ53iSU - There are also opportunities for engineering leaders to be featured on the poster - If you are interested or know of a great leader, please direct them to the survey to leave their information.
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Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
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