As engineers, we generally excel at solving complex problems and have spent our careers making the world better and faster. We have been rigorously trained to resolve all types of issues and those considered standouts are usually those that can take what they have learned and apply it to different applications with fluidity. At some point in our careers, some of us are given personnel management positions because of our abilities to do things right the first time and faster than our peers. We have the elusive “it” factor.
When we technically minded engineers get to management positions, the first thing we learn is that most of our time is still spent solving problems, but the catch is that the problems are with people. Managers learn that humans are very complicated machines where the bits are zero one day and one the next just because. Pure logic is simply a luxury. Working with people is like working outside on a hot panel, in a thunderstorm, without personal protective equipment and production running at full capacity. Engineering curriculum does not equip us to handle the demands of personnel management and raw talent does have its limits. So what do you do? Trial and error can cost you your greatest assets, your people. As a leader, I am not measured by how good I am, but how well my staff performs.
Along my journey as a leader, I was exposed to a tool that greatly aided my transformation from engineer to leader. The tool was the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). As an engineer, I was skeptical at first, even cynical, but gave it a chance because of the supporting research. In practical terms, it allows you to lead and manage others through their lenses rather than projecting mine. I was so convinced, I became a certified practitioner. The application of this material is both deep and wide. With this practical knowledge, you will improve in many areas of management, including managing change, coaching, decision making, conflict management, team dynamics, project management and selling. In fact, focused training for each of these topics beyond the introductory training is available. Teaming up with a certified practitioner, like myself, allows you to avoid the plethora of errant information found on the Internet.
In August, CSIA will be hosting a short webinar where I will provide you with some basic knowledge and real life examples of how this powerful tool can be used to take your leadership skills to the next level.