(565e) Leadership Education for Engineers

Nearly all engineers work in teams where a leader oversees and guides process/product research and development or manufacturing operations. Exceptional performance in leadership or management positions requires detailed knowledge of the fundamentals of the specific field and related areas, and the ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems. However, these are necessary but not sufficient conditions for career success. When technically-trained individuals undertake a leadership role, frustration is a frequent outcome, despite technical competency and good intentions. This talk will discuss reasons why engineers and scientists often find adaptation into leadership roles disconcerting. Topics and approaches that build awareness in undergraduate and graduate engineers of the requirements and demands in technical leadership positions will be described. Specifically, course and/or workshop content designed to present this information in an interactive, discussion-based approach that addresses situations normally encountered by early and mid career engineers will be discussed.