TCEP 244: How to Develop Top Leadership Skills for Engineering Excellence

In this episode, I talk with Jim Rowings, vice president at Kiewit, about developing top leadership skills for engineers in the design and construction field, and the vital role that leadership qualities play in the journey of all engineers.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jim:

Did gaining experience before choosing a master's degree help you decide the direction you wanted to pursue?

Can you describe your early field experiences, the difficulties you faced as a new engineer, and the strategies you employed to enhance your self-assurance?

Could you describe your mentoring experiences and offer insights into how we can enhance accessibility to mentoring for younger professionals?

Could you share your personal experience in navigating the balance between your technical expertise, including research and education, and your development of leadership skills?

How have your leadership skills influenced your career advancement and your effectiveness in leading teams within your various roles?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Develop Top Leadership Skills for Engineering Excellence:

Gaining practical experience before choosing a master's degree not only provides valuable insights and confidence but also clarifies specific areas of interest. This real-world experience helps tailor academic pursuits, combining hands-on challenges with targeted learning for a well-rounded education.

For young engineers facing early challenges, it's crucial to ask for advice, make ethical decisions, and learn from tricky situations. Prioritizing caution and integrity will lead to a safer and more successful career path.

Mentoring begins with the initiative of young engineers to recognize learning opportunities from those around them. Informal connections and shared experiences, even simple breakfast discussions, can offer valuable insights. Trusting superiors who prioritize growth and provide constructive feedback shapes professional development. Sharing challenges and seeking input from multiple sources allows for well-rounded decision-making.

Balancing technical expertise and leadership involves learning from experiences and staying curious. Observations from mentors provide insights for leadership growth while maintaining curiosity and consistently learning in the technical realm ensures ongoing expertise. Asking insightful "why" questions deepens technical understanding, creating a successful equilibrium between the two aspects.

Central to career success is building strong relationships that offer ongoing access to new opportunities and diverse perspectives. Curiosity acts as a driving force, while expressing gratitude, especially through handwritten thank-you notes, reinforces connections, and paves the way for navigating challenges. This practice of acknowledging others yields enduring professional relationships and connections.

More Details in This Episode…

About Jim Rowings

Throughout his career, Jim has held leadership positions in academia and industry. Jim holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He has taught every fundamental construction engineering course and many graduate-level courses related to construction engineering and management at leading universities, including the University of Kansas, Iowa State University, and Purdue University. Jim began his career working for ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia as a construction engineer on projects ranging in scope from $60 million to $2.3 billion.

He led the top Construction Engineering program in the U.S. for 15 years. As a teacher and academic researcher, he authored or co-authored more than 25 published research pap...