In the last issue of LEADER, IEEE President Karen Bartleson shared her insights about leadership in an article entitled Leading for the Future. It is excellent and I commend it to you. My strong belief is that one can learn to be an effective leader. Further, I believe that engineering managers must develop their leadership ability in order to realize the benefits of innovation within their organizations.
Maybe you have asked, how do I become a leader? Beginning in March 2018 I will be addressing this subject in the Technology Manager’s Notebook (TMN), a new feature of the r launched Engineering Management Review (EMR). I’ll share insights from my 40+ year journey as an engineer, manager, and leader that has recently brought me to the position of TEMS President-Elect. It is my hope this will help you in your journey from engineer to leader.
As Karen points out, your leadership ability can be developed through education, training, experience, and reflection. Start now! Don’t wait for the coveted next promotion or desired position on the org chart.
As a “teaser” for the first TMN article, are you authentic in your dealings with co-workers? Do they trust you to do what you say you will do? Are your words and actions ethically grounded and in the best interest of your team and your organization? If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions you have mastered an essential leadership skill.
All the best, Steve Cross
President-Elect, IEEE TEMS
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