Wikipedia defines both leadership and engineering as follows:
Leadership is both a research area, and a practical skill encompassing the ability of an individual, group or organization to “lead”, influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations.
Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings.
This presentation/discussion will expand upon the lessons learned from almost 25 years of engineering and management/administration experience for high performing organizations and what it takes to build skillsets in both that will provide both career balance and growth. Success in each of these areas are pivotal to a fulfilling career. As engineers we are often asked to take on some of the most challenging issues that our organizations or clients have ever dealt with. These can range in size and complexity depending on your location and the entity that you work for and most times include many differing personalities along the way. Understanding tools of the trade that will help engineers traverse some of these challenges and become strong leaders and managers through their career will be a main focus of the conversation. Sharing through my experiences and how each challenge helped me grow and become a better and stronger engineer and manager is a great way to bring reality into the discussion and to compare and contrast leadership and engineering.
Christopher Steubing PE, CFM
Assistant City Manager / Chief Operating Officer
City of Sugar Land