In the words of Jerry Maycock1 (Chair of AGL & Port of Brisbane) “The beauty of engineering is that it teaches you a bunch of skills which are quite transportable into the corporate world”. For example, according to Harvard Business Review (Nov 2014)2, a full 24 of the 100 best-performing global CEOs have a Bachelors or Masters degree in engineering. In Australia, according to Lindorff, M., & Prior Jonson, E. (2013)3 of the CEOs who head ASX100 companies, 32 have studied engineering at an undergraduate level.
The challenges faced by engineers when transitioning from a technical or operational role into a management or leadership position (whether formal or informal) is rarely acknowledged or recognised. It is highly likely that the engineers will be required to step up into management or leadership roles with little or no support, training or professional development.
Engineers are intelligent, innovative and motivated professionals, who are educated to think analytically, critically and to solve problems. However, these skills don’t always translate to the complexity and ambiguity of leadership, and engineers can struggle to make this shift, which can be assisted through networking, collaboration and training.
Part of CLM’s charter is to champion the transition of engineers into management and leadership positions by raising awareness of the development of skills required and enabling new levels of performance to be attained.
Therefore, CLM:
- is a forum specifically for engineers to support them through their growth as leaders and managers;
- consists of engineers of all levels, who either fulfil roles in management and leadership positions, or aspire to do so, and can offer advice based on their vast and diverse experiences; and
- offers a large network to support, advise, mentor and develop members across all Colleges and other member bodies.
Members of Engineers Australia have frequently asked:
- what is the role of this College and how does it fit in with the technical Colleges and other member bodies?
- what will I get out of being a member of CLM?
- how can I become a better engineer by joining CLM?
Who is CLM and how does it fit into the wider Engineers Australia?
With reference to the Engineers Australia website4, CLM is a key element of the strategy to “provide a professional home for life”. Throughout the careers of many engineers there often comes a point where their career may move away from the technical and discipline focussed aspects towards managing and leading people, processes or projects. As engineers make this transition, they are often looking for the requisite skills and competencies to make this a success, and that’s where CLM can help.
The CLM Queensland (CLMQ) committee and members, as part of the Queensland Division, also have a National CLM Board which sets overall direction and provides oversight. The local committee’s role is to translate this high-level direction into actions and events that provide value to the members and establish successful managers and leaders in the profession and the wider community.
What is the plan for CLMQ?
We took it upon ourselves to develop a three-year Business Plan that outlines our vision, objectives and tactical actions aligned with the CLM National Board objectives. This Plan outlines:
- overall strategy - focusing on critical success factors, developing a strong association with EA member bodies and enhancing leadership in all disciplines;
- vision, purpose and objectives –these align with those of Engineers Australia and also those of the CLM National Board;
- specific initiatives planned in 2017 and beyond to meet the objectives; and
- planed events to develop specific competencies.
CLM’s aim is to raise awareness and support the development of all engineer’s leadership and management skills necessary for shaping a sustainable world. Additionally, CLM is a “professional home” for engineers who are leaders and managers and will develop and promote their voice in the community.
This sounds interesting – so what’s in it for me?
This question is a primary motivator for anyone looking to commit time and energy to CLM. In addressing this question, CLM members see value in the following areas:
- professional development of skills and competencies in engineering leadership and management;
- networking and sharing experiences with other like-minded engineers;
- providing a voice for the profession around issues of leadership and management in engineering;
- recognition and identity as part of a group of esteemed professional engineers; and
- supporting and collaborating with other colleges, special interest groups and technical societies.
If you would like to get involved, please come along to one of our monthly committee meetings or future events.
References:
- The Australian Institute of Company Directors, 1st of July 2017, https://aicd.companydirectors.com.au/membership/company-director-magazin...
- https://hbr.org/2014/11/the-best-performing-ceos-in-the-world#section_en...
- Lindorff, M., & Prior Jonson, E. (2013). CEO business education and firm financial performance: A case for humility rather than hubris. Education Training, 55(4/5), 461-477.
- https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/Communities-And-Groups/Colleges/Le...