Around the 1960 and on to today, the
environment of today's is on customer satisfaction. Achieving this new paradigm,
Engineering is to be more flexible and adaptable to the demands and
expectations of stakeholders.
The top - down traditional hierarchical
structure doesn’t act properly any longer.
Managing change doesn’t
mean only controlling it, rather understanding it , adapting to it where
necessary and guiding it when possible.
(Carter McNamara, 1997)
The history of engineering leadership backs
to Cyrus , The Great, Persian king , who combined managerial characteristics
with army dexterities
to
lead the significant kingdom Persia.
Three main issues mentioned by Cyrus : 1-
Goal setting , 2- Strategy decision and determine suitable path to achieve and
3- Distribute the results suitably.
(Hedrick,Larry ,2006 , P.17 )
Nowadays the emphasis on various principles is
observed where the key components of effective engineering leaders is the
ability to motivate and equip people by being able to communicate clearly ,
manage and organize conflicts , develop creativity and technical tasks.
Engineering leaders
will be called upon to foresee developing threats to our environment and
sustainability, and they will need to bring their messages effectively to
political leaders. They will have to understand and cross multidisciplinary
boundaries, because solving the most difficult problems will involve multiple,
interacting and conflicting causes and effects. Language skills, cultural
competency, and other soft skills will be brought into a comprehensive systems
analysis of their work
.( Barlow , 2008)
Engineering Leadership
methods are useful for mid-level managers due to their responsibility between
Top managers ( Strategy decision making , needs leadership aspects ) and Operational
managers ( Technical proportion is more emphasized ) .
In the current
information technology century , run an organization needs science and art ,
the former calling
engineering where the latter is linked to leadership.
Much
of frustration and dissatisfaction in industry is directly related to the lack
of these components attachment.
The
mission is to prepare the next generation of technology leaders , although
engineering leadership is known as almost a new paradigm , the latest field called
Engineering Leadership Network ( ELN ) is appeared to face information century
issues.
ELN
recognizes that in addition to the technical expertise, true technological
leadership requires several key abilities to such as critical thinking , emotional intelligence ,
organize people from multiple disciplines and cultures and the spirit for
innovation and entrepreneurship .The emphasis in engineering leadership goes to
three fields : System engineering concept , Economic consideration and organizational skills.
Definitions
Engineering
Leadership is defined as the technical leadership of the innovative conception,
design and implementation of new products / processes / projects/ systems
supported by invention of enabling technologies to meet the needs of customer satisfaction
as well as the society.
Engineering
Leadership: Process of envisioning, Designing, Developing and Supporting new
products and services to a set of requirements, within budget and to a schedule
with acceptable levels of risk to support the strategic objectives of an organization.
(Dr. Wade H. Shaw ,2003,P.5)
Engineering Leadership Requirements
Engineering
Leaders exist to develop and sustain products and services using systems
engineering principles in project organizations which widely used in nowadays '
complex business environment.
Since
HR role is rarely ignored , lead and nurture people involved in the projects
need managerial skills beside the technical knowledge related to the problems
faced.
Any
projects running by an engineering leader should be fully clear in answer to
three crucial questions :
1.
What is the current situation ?
2.
Why does the situation need to be improved ?
3.
How does this passing steps to the paced ?
(Dr. Wade H. Shaw 2003,P.7)
Engineering
Leaders are people who can create significant change in both followers and
organization which they are associated.
( Iain Hay , Flinders University
)
They
should lead change in culture, strategy , structure and informal relations.
They
must be equipped with deep knowledge and concentrate on three main fields :
Business concepts , Human resources and Learning & Development.
Set
strategic business objectives , determine organization capabilities , assess employee leadership and technical
competencies are categorized in business concept class.
Human
resource includes training , career path development , optimized performance
and recruiting high quality workforce .
In
learning and development, Continuous learning, increase knowledge, finds
progress opportunities and industry – university link will be mentioned.
Finally,
Engineering leadership is divided mainly into business leadership focusing on
customer satisfaction through updated leading approach and technical leadership
mentioning details and specific information on unique subject.
Engineering
leadership is categorized in the field
of transformational leadership. Transformational leaders elevate people from
low level of needs , focusing on survival mentioning Maslow's hierarchy, to
higher levels .
(Kelly,
M.L., 2006 ) (Yukl, G.A. 1989).
Such
a kind of leaders are said to engender trust , administration , loyalty and
respect amongst their followers .
( Barbuto, J.E. 2005,pp.26-40.)
Since
engineering leadership is known as a new paradigm in management ,
Transformational leadership principles can be hired for that field.
The
four common I 's is mentioned in the following :
1.
Idealized influence : Charismatic vision and wholly accepted by followers.
2.
Inspirational motivation : Capacity to motivate others achieving the
forecasted goals.
3.
Intellectual stimulation : Encouraging innovation and creativity among
group members.
4.
Individualized consideration ;Coaching to the specific needs of followers.
(Hall, J., Johnson, S., Wysocki, A. & Kepner, K. , 2002).
(Simic, I. 1998., pp. 49-55. )
(Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 2004).
(Leithwood, K. & Jantzi, D. (2000), p. 112.)
Capabilities of Engineering Leaders
The
engineering leaders' potential to put up with issues running in the
organization is divided into three group which is followed by some details
each;
1.
The attitudes of leadership: Core personal values and character.
·
Initiatives : ability and willingness to take risks.
·
Decision making in the face of uncertainty.
·
Responsibility , Urgency and will to deliver : commitment to the absolute
responsibility to find best alternative due to presence of obstacles or
constraints.
·
Resourcefulness and flexibility : embrace various views and make best use
of different related sources.
·
Ethical actions and integrity
·
Equity and diversity
·
Visions and intention in life for progress
·
Self awareness and self-improvement : defining career path
2.
Relating : Developing key relationships and networks.
·
Inquiring and dialoguing : create constructive dialog
·
Interpersonal skills : mention both individually and organization needs and
objectives.
·
Structured communications : be able to create a structure and strategy to
formal communications.
3.
Making sense of context : Make a mental map of the complex environment.
·
Awareness of the societal and natural context
·
Awareness of the needs of the customer or beneficiaries
·
Enterprise awareness : understanding the
goals and culture , shared beliefs and strategies.
·
New technology appreciation
·
System thinking : thinking holistically to force on critical features.
4.
Visioning : Future awareness.
·
Thinking creatively
·
Defining various solutions
·
Technical knowledge and critical reasoning
Many
theorists emphasizing on Economic side of leadership mentions three skills
including managing people , managing resources and showing technical competence
.
(Economics
for future leaders , 2009).
Effective Engineer Leaders
People
believed leaders are charismatic and they are usually born but nowadays a new
paradigm is spread which expresses that leaders are made and leadership skills
is not rare traits anymore.
In
view of increasing global competition , engineering leadership today should be
built on the reinforcement of product engineering education , that is , the
education of those who innovate and put product in to production. " Bernard M.Gordon"
Study
case studies of successes , the impact of globalization , failures in running
companies ,analyze the problems and potentials in intercultural and
interdisciplinary collaboration all prove emergence of effective engineering leaders are
crucial.
To
be an effective engineering leader , it is important to have developed a deep
understanding of the underlying knowledge of engineering , science and
technology.
(Massachusetts
Institute of Technology) An effective
engineering leader categorizes the elements of competency into three main
classes : 1- Knowledge Base emphasizing on science and management fundamentals
, 2- Engineering Ability , skillful to formulate , identify the problems ,
understand culture , environment and global responsibilities and 3-
Professional Leadership Attributes including effective communication ,
individual welfare consideration , intelligence inspiration and ability to function
in multi disciplinary and multi cultural teamwork. (
Checklist : An initiative of the center for
engineering leadership and management, Engineers Australia).
Mentioning
basics of engineering leaders , it is clear both organization profitability and
individual welfare are important. Besides , ethics is also plays an important
role .
“
I was keen to rule a great land , an integrated empire where multi
cultural people live in a peaceful
manner without involving in tribal fight .”
(Hedrick,Larry, 2006 , P.36)
Leaders
should complement their human related skills with engineering principles.
Engineering Leaders qualities can be developed and will be continuously refined
by more Learning , experience and desire.There are four valuable parameters
which is stressed by an effective engineer leader : Needs , Passions , Values
and Talents & Skills . The shared proportion by the mentioned factors gives
the "Sweet Spot" , the effective engineer leaders mission.
To
mention a successful engineering leader , Lee Yakuka as a transformational
leader , saved Chrysler Automobile industry. First he understood the employees
do not have the suitable challenge for progress in the company.
He
spread Friendly leadership principles among workers . Effective workforce is
known to be the most productive assets in different countries.
(Salmani
, Davoud , 2005 , p.162)
In
other words he performed Erosmatic leadership style .Emphasizing on workplace
environment and close relation between official staffs and workers in production
line , he believed four criterion as survival factors :
1.Caring
2.Sharing
3.Respect
4.Responsibilty
(Salmani
, Davoud ,1997, p.5)
Future Engineer Leaders
What
is the view of engineering leadership in the next century ? What are the unique
qualities required to lead the organizations of tomorrow ?
The
core dilemmas future engineers face are expressed below by 27 most senior
executives :
Broad-based Leadership vs.
High-visibility Leaders
Independence vs. Interdependence
Long-term vs. Short-term
Creativity vs. Discipline
Trust vs. Change s
Bureaucracy Busting vs.
Economies of Scale
People vs. Productivity
Leadership vs. Capability
Revenue Growth vs. Cost
Containment
Truly
effective engineering leaders in the years ahead will have personas determined
by strong values and beliefs in the capacity of individuals to grow .
(Beckhard
, Richard, 1996).
They
will mention an image of the society in which they would like their
organization including core technical details and leadership dexterities.
They
believe the future can and should be shaped by both engineers and Leaders.
Engineering leaders won't be rewarded for ordinary tasks
and style of running organizations. They are people who can create significant
changes in both followers and the organization which they are associated with.
Due to the competitive variable environment , the primary responsibility for
engineering leaders is based on change. In the following years , innovative
organizations are to survive in
uncertain competitive technological environments .
(Salmani , Davoud ,1997 , p.37)
Four main classes of engineering leaders responsibility
are: First , it’s necessary to make a compelling case for change. Second , it’s
important to inspire a shared vision through coaching and conscious role modeling
strategies.
Third , change needs to be led. Finally , change need to
be embedded by monitoring progress , changing appraisal and reward system and
hiring staff with a commitment to collaboration.
Future engineering leaders emphasize on life long foundation
for perpetual improvement. Three most important competencies related to future
engineering leaders are :
1.
Leadership ( leadership , strategic direction and entrepreneurship )
2.
Management ( planning , change and improvement , process , products and
services , people / human resources )
3.
Business ( supplier relationship , information , finance and accounting )
A
newer theory to describe engineering leaders express them as artists.
(Pinto ,
Jim, 2004).
Going
through the details of this new theory ,
it claims there will exist many engineering leaders but a few of them
accomplish the strategic goals.
Engineering
leaders are expected to satisfy some main issues such as belief in oneself ,
Passion for the job , Love of people and capacity for aloneness which means
mostly leaders are blamed for misfortunes ,so they should be psychologically
competent for alteration surveillance.
(Charles
Handy , The leader of the future).
Criticism of Engineering Leaderst
The
potential situation for engineering leader abuse of power is the most vital issue for criticism since
technical knowledge and decision making is inclusive for a unique person.
(Stone, A.G., Russell, R.F., &
Patterson, K. ,2006).
Respect
moral values and limit personal takings should be crucially mentioned in
engineering leadership qualification.
Many
people call engineering leaders as engineering charisma who confine various
techniques and sources.
In
history , there existed some leaders abused their power and authority result in
destruction and manslaughter so the “dark side of Charisma” should mostly be
banned.
Major
misunderstanding of engineering leaders will result in organization breakdown.
Some are :
1-
Weak in determining environmental change, technology, competitive
advantages and consumer needs.
2-
Unable in allocating suitable
resources and equipment.
3-
Wrong market evaluation .
4-
Ignore human side of workforce or lower the priority of human behavior in
organization vision.
Some leaders may have narcissistic tendencies , thriving
on power and manipulation.
(Yukl, G.A. (1989). &(Bass, B.M. (1997).
Our
future engineering leaders must understand the societal impact of their
profession , be well – versed in technology and function in global enterprise.
They also motivate people and organizations to improve the quality of life
around the world.
The
aim in reaching Quality of Work life theory is expanding employees motivation
by presenting challenging jobs which brings respect and job diversity more.
(Salmani , Davoud , 2005 , p.15)
Looking to the future, it is clear that educating tomorrow’s
leaders will become an increasingly prominent part of engineering programs.
While there are significant national and cultural differences in how the term ‘leadership’
is understood, the
review points to a deeper consensus about the knowledge
and skills that tomorrow’s leaders will require. In recent years, the profile
and knowledge-base for the related fields of ‘global engineering education’ and
‘entrepreneurship
engineering education’ have grown considerably, and
partnerships across these communities will be an important factor in the future
development of excellence in engineering leadership education.
(Graham , Ruth , 2009).
In closing , it can be said that there are some risks
associated with engineering leadership.
Engineering leadership must be accompanied by
responsibility to ensure the commitment to the good of organization.
Conclusion
The
Engineering Leadership is totally may be divided into two important categories
: Business Leadership and Technical Leadership .
(Colello,Jerry , Engineering Leadership : Processes and
Requirements , United Technologies Corporation , Ohio
, USA).
The
growing interdependence between technology and economic and social foundations
of modern society, there will be an increasing number of opportunities for
engineering to exercise their potentials as leaders, not only in business and
government sectors but also in the nongovernmental organizations.
To
prepare the engineers exploit from opportunities , they must understand the
principles of leadership and be able to practice them in growing proportions as
their careers advance.
Engineer
Leaders as transformational leaders articulate the vision in a clear and appealing manner , explain how to attain
the visions , acts confidently and optimistically, express confidence in the
followers , emphasize value and ethics with symbolic actions and empower
followers to achieve the designed goals.
(Stone,
A.G., Russell, R.F., & Patterson, K. , 2006).
To
survive in a complex business market including global features of IT – related
tasks needs not only techniques but also human issues .Some engineering leaders
are necessary to exist that they need to address people issues involving their
staffs , business issues and goals , strategies and motivation in the organization.
Engineering leaders qualification consists of technical profession and precise
insight to lead people , so the followers obey the superior deliberately. These
days it is inadequate that Leaders are
charisma but they must know the process of parts assembly , system thinking ,
updated production systems and technical details of a profession.
The
key role of engineering leadership is creating economic value and national
competitiveness. The emphasis in engineering leadership goes to three fields :
System engineering concepts, economic consideration and organizational skills.
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