The average engineer has the most important qualities that are essential to effective leadership. With their incredible problem-solving abilities, their ease in adapting to any situation, and the capacity to work well with a variety of personalities, engineers undoubtedly have natural leadership qualities. The following qualities are essential to leadership roles and come naturally to almost all engineers:
1. They Are Big-Picture Thinkers
Engineers are always able to communicate their ideas and plans to their teams and colleagues. This level of effective communication is essential to leadership and engineers that are expert communicators will no doubt be able to share their vision as leaders in the same way. As Pedram Zohrevand shares, the strongest leaders always have a big-picture idea for change and innovation–making engineers the perfect people to take charge as engineering leaders.
2. They Always Have a Plan
In addition to being able to visualize and communicate their ideas, engineers always have a plan for anything that comes their way. As leaders are constantly asked to bridge the gap between the present status quo and the potential the future holds, they must be adept at crafting goals and designing fail-proof plans to see them through. As engineers spend most of their professional lives working through problems of all kinds, they are the best people to take the reins in a leadership role.
3. They Are Excellent Problem-Solvers
Always tasked to think on their feet, engineers are incredible problem solvers. Regardless of the situation, engineers are able to keep a cool head and find multiple solutions to every problem. This skill alone is something that all strong leaders must possess. Whether they’re leading a company or heading an important project, as leaders, engineers are able to thrive under pressure.
4. They Are Empathetic
Many of the strongest leaders fail to show their humanity when it comes to having empathy for others. Being able to connect with their peers on an emotional level is a mark of a leader that is both effective and respected. Like the greatest leaders, the best engineers always work to establish real relationships with their coworkers, supervisors, and clients. As leaders, engineers will be able to extend this same level of empathy for everyone as they work to make each person feel as though they are a truly valuable member of the team.
5. They Serve as They Lead
Strong leaders are able to corral their team and offer support as needed. However, leaders are never just figureheads. The best leaders are servant-leaders that work twice as hard to build up their team and keep everything on track. Pedram Zohrevand explains that engineers are often able to provide direction and leadership when necessary while getting to work themselves and harnessing their energy and strengths to make sure the work gets done. An engineer’s commitment to making things happen regardless of the amount of work it requires is a key trait of a strong leader.
6. They are Humble
In addition to the aforementioned personality traits and relentless work ethic, engineers are destined to make excellent leaders due to their humility. Far too many leaders focus on their status as “leaders” and often use this to act as though they are the most important person in the room. This type of arrogance isn’t only difficult to work with, it puts the rest of the team at risk. Instead of letting their pride get in the way, the best engineering leaders are able to step out of the spotlight when necessary and let others take the lead if the situation calls for it.
Every dedicated engineer has within them the makings of a great leader. Given the opportunity to exhibit the above six qualities, any engineer can rise to the occasion as the natural-born leader they already are
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