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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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

Eva:

You ask what leadership advice I would give to a young engineer.

My advice is offered in the  essay "The Leader Within: Let It Come Out," which is available here:

The Leader Within You: Let It Come Out!

Helpingyouengineeryourfuture		remove preview
The Leader Within You: Let It Come Out! A leader lies in wait within you. Your leader wants to emerge to help you achieve more success and significance. You are beginning to see an even higher and more influential role, the leading role. You are beginning to converse with the latent, if not stirring, leader within you. View this on Helpingyouengineeryourfuture >

Best wishes for success.


------------------------------
Stu Walesh PhD, PE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
219-242-1704
www.HelpingYouEngineerYour
Future.com
------------------------------

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

Hi Eva,

Great topic! ASCE's Committee on Younger Members (CYM) has been offering many opportunities for leadership development. I wanted to plug them since they offer in-person workshops on professional and leadership development. 

As for your questions:

1) I think a good leader is: emotionally responsive, leads by example, is open-minded, fair, organized and responsible
2)  Again I would highly recommend ASCE members interested in leadership to check out ASCE CYM and all the leadership programming they offer. Personally, I would like to take on leadership roles within my company one day. I've started a Master of Public Administration program at USC where I'll gain experience in public sector leadership. If school isn't an option, then simply getting involved with your local ASCE chapter is another great way to develop leadership skills!
3) I think organizational membership only helps your professional career. You develop  soft skills and open yourself up for networking opportunities that'll help you along in your career.

------------------------------
Paul Lee P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineering Associate
Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power
Los Angeles CA
------------------------------

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

I also want to mention that ASCE is putting on the Power Skills series to assist members in developing their leadership skills:

Power Skills Series

Asce		remove preview
Power Skills Series Multiple dates and locations available: Are you a new engineering manager or aspiring to be one? Your success as an engineering manager will be directly related to your confidence, credibility, speaking skills and ability to lead and engage people. This course will provide you with these career-enhancing tools. View this on Asce >

https://www.asce.org/power-skills-series/


------------------------------
Anthony Fasano P.E., M.ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Ridgewood NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2019 13:12
From: Paul Lee
Subject: Traits and Qualities of Leaders in the Industry

Hi Eva,

Great topic! ASCE's Committee on Younger Members (CYM) has been offering many opportunities for leadership development. I wanted to plug them since they offer in-person workshops on professional and leadership development.

As for your questions:

1) I think a good leader is: emotionally responsive, leads by example, is open-minded, fair, organized and responsible
2)  Again I would highly recommend ASCE members interested in leadership to check out ASCE CYM and all the leadership programming they offer. Personally, I would like to take on leadership roles within my company one day. I've started a Master of Public Administration program at USC where I'll gain experience in public sector leadership. If school isn't an option, then simply getting involved with your local ASCE chapter is another great way to develop leadership skills!
3) I think organizational membership only helps your professional career. You develop  soft skills and open yourself up for networking opportunities that'll help you along in your career.

------------------------------
Paul Lee P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineering Associate
Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power
Los Angeles CA

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

Great topic Eva!  Here's my input:

• What qualities and traits do you believe makes a great leader in an engineering industry?
  •  A good leader is calm, listens more than speaks, and is decisive.  There are many traits that a leader should also have, but in the engineering industry I would say those should be true of everyone (honesty, integrity, promptness, thoughtfulness, trustworthy, respectful, accountability, etc.).
  • A leader in particular needs to get input from their subordinates and make the best decision possible with that information in a timely fashion.  In being decisive that doesn't mean a route can't be changed if new information is received, but one should now him and haw over decisions and toggle back and forth.  It wastes time and saps your teams confidence in you.  Being calm is important because the attitude you convey is picked up on your team.  You can't fly off the handle when frustrated, panic when something comes up unexpectedly, or lean to heavily into any negative emotions.  Your time needs to feed off that confidence and cool-headedness when the pressure goes up.
  • A good leader needs to use positive reinforcement.  That's not handing out trophies for any positive action, but you need to acknowledge hard work and dedication from your team.  Address any issues privately, calmly, and courteously.  Focus on how to improve, not that the mistake was made.  For example, (bad) "You are always late to meetings" vs. (better) "I need you to work on being on time to meetings so that you're not missing important information or holding up other items so we can all be more effective".
  • Lastly, like Capt Miller of Saving Private Ryan said, gripes go up the chain never down.  Don't gossip with subordinates about co-workers or other matters of frustration with the organization.  Get their input, and pass it along up the chain.
• What other advice would you give to a young engineer who would like to be a leader one day?
  • Recognize the difference between being a leader and just someone in charge.  A leader is part of the team not just driving it.  Some leaders emerge, and some seem to be born with it. 
  • Being a leader is about trusting in your self.  Developing professional confidence takes time, and should not be confused with arrogance.  Learn as much as you can about everything you can.  Not just about the profession but about managing a team or a project.  Seek to emulate people that are well respected leaders.
  • Some advice I got was that when I ask questions, where possible I should have some ideas in mind.  Instead of "How should layout this design sheet?" come up with potential solutions "I was thinking for the sheet I could either put blow ups to show the smaller details or change the scale and trim out some of the work, what do you think?"
  • Becoming a leader takes time, and merely getting to an elevated title doesn't make you a leader.  You can be the CEO of the company but if no one looks to you for guidance you're just a manager, not a leader.
• How much do you believe organizational membership impacts a professional career? In what ways?
  
  • Being in an organization like ASCE or any other is all about what you put into it.  If all you put in are your yearly dues, then don't expect anymore than a couple PDHs.  But put in time to connect with people, help other people, volunteer, etc.  That's when you start to get back.
  • So what do you get back? Well that will still depend on how you put effort in.  For a lot of people that's networking.  To make friends and contacts to get help for projects or career advancement or job options.  Some just like helping others and the profession.
  • The impact these organizations make on your career depends on the impact you have on the organization.

Good luck with your Poster!

------------------------------
James Smith P.E., M.ASCE
Design Engineer
Grand Rapids MI
------------------------------

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

Sometimes you will know when you are a leader by the respect by others and this may come suddenly or over time.
 They will come to you for advice and direction and treat you as a leader.

This is a South Louisiana thing, and usually the term "Mister" is sometimes informally given to others based on their their age, position, or respect. I was deeply touched when I was called "Mr. Jim" (to my surprise) at a relatively early age by many of the construction craftsmen and support trades.

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

Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2019 11:56
From: James Smith
Subject: Traits and Qualities of Leaders in the Industry

Great topic Eva!  Here's my input:

• What qualities and traits do you believe makes a great leader in an engineering industry?
  •  A good leader is calm, listens more than speaks, and is decisive.  There are many traits that a leader should also have, but in the engineering industry I would say those should be true of everyone (honesty, integrity, promptness, thoughtfulness, trustworthy, respectful, accountability, etc.).
  • A leader in particular needs to get input from their subordinates and make the best decision possible with that information in a timely fashion.  In being decisive that doesn't mean a route can't be changed if new information is received, but one should now him and haw over decisions and toggle back and forth.  It wastes time and saps your teams confidence in you.  Being calm is important because the attitude you convey is picked up on your team.  You can't fly off the handle when frustrated, panic when something comes up unexpectedly, or lean to heavily into any negative emotions.  Your time needs to feed off that confidence and cool-headedness when the pressure goes up.
  • A good leader needs to use positive reinforcement.  That's not handing out trophies for any positive action, but you need to acknowledge hard work and dedication from your team.  Address any issues privately, calmly, and courteously.  Focus on how to improve, not that the mistake was made.  For example, (bad) "You are always late to meetings" vs. (better) "I need you to work on being on time to meetings so that you're not missing important information or holding up other items so we can all be more effective".
  • Lastly, like Capt Miller of Saving Private Ryan said, gripes go up the chain never down.  Don't gossip with subordinates about co-workers or other matters of frustration with the organization.  Get their input, and pass it along up the chain.
• What other advice would you give to a young engineer who would like to be a leader one day?
  • Recognize the difference between being a leader and just someone in charge.  A leader is part of the team not just driving it.  Some leaders emerge, and some seem to be born with it. 
  • Being a leader is about trusting in your self.  Developing professional confidence takes time, and should not be confused with arrogance.  Learn as much as you can about everything you can.  Not just about the profession but about managing a team or a project.  Seek to emulate people that are well respected leaders.
  • Some advice I got was that when I ask questions, where possible I should have some ideas in mind.  Instead of "How should layout this design sheet?" come up with potential solutions "I was thinking for the sheet I could either put blow ups to show the smaller details or change the scale and trim out some of the work, what do you think?"
  • Becoming a leader takes time, and merely getting to an elevated title doesn't make you a leader.  You can be the CEO of the company but if no one looks to you for guidance you're just a manager, not a leader.
• How much do you believe organizational membership impacts a professional career? In what ways?
  
  • Being in an organization like ASCE or any other is all about what you put into it.  If all you put in are your yearly dues, then don't expect anymore than a couple PDHs.  But put in time to connect with people, help other people, volunteer, etc.  That's when you start to get back.
  • So what do you get back? Well that will still depend on how you put effort in.  For a lot of people that's networking.  To make friends and contacts to get help for projects or career advancement or job options.  Some just like helping others and the profession.
  • The impact these organizations make on your career depends on the impact you have on the organization.

Good luck with your Poster!

------------------------------
James Smith P.E., M.ASCE
Design Engineer
Grand Rapids MI

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------

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.  



------------------------------
Bevin Beaudet P.E., M.ASCE
President/Owner
Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
West Palm Beach FL
------------------------------

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.



------------------------------
Eva Schexnider, EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineering Assistant
Houston TX
------------------------------