Attribute 2: Management and Leadership
Attribute 2, encompassing management and leadership, is crucial for you as a civil engineer as it ensures the effective planning, organization, and execution of engineering tasks and projects.
This attribute highlights the importance of managing resources, leading teams, and continuously improving quality processes. By demonstrating proficiency in these areas, engineers can adapt to changing technical and managerial needs, foster the development of others, and promote best practices.
Ultimately, mastering Attribute 2 is essential for achieving successful project outcomes and advancing one’s professional career in engineering.
Key Targets:
- Plan the work and resources needed to enable effective implementation of engineering tasks and projects
- Manage the planning and organisation of tasks and resources.
- Manage (organise, direct and control), programme or schedule, tasks and resources
- Manage teams or technical specialisms
- Lead or influence teams / technical specialisms, understanding the limits of their skills and knowledge
- Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
- Develop others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
- Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements
- Demonstrate continuous quality improvement and promote best practice
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
Peter Drucker 1989
The Breakdown
Plan the work and resources needed to enable effective implementation of engineering tasks and projects
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Developing a detailed project plan outlining the required resources, timelines, and milestones, and communicating this plan effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
- Conducting a thorough risk assessment of the project to identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans.
- Identifying and prioritising tasks based on their impact on the project timeline and resource requirements.
Managing the planning and organisation of tasks and resources:
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Assigning tasks and responsibilities to team members based on their skills and experience.
- Developing effective communication channels to ensure all team members are aware of their responsibilities and the project timeline.
- Monitoring progress against the project plan and adjusting resources as needed to ensure project milestones are met.
Manage (organise, direct and control), programme or schedule, tasks and resources
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
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Creating a detailed project schedule that outlines all tasks and their dependencies.
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Monitoring progress against the project schedule and adjusting resources as needed to ensure project milestones are met.
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Conducting regular status meetings with the project team to review progress and adjust the schedule as necessary.
Manage teams or technical specialisms
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Providing clear direction and support to team members to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Developing and implementing training to enhance the skills and knowledge of team members.
- Encouraging collaboration and communication among team members to maximise productivity and quality.
Lead or influence teams / technical specialisms, understanding the limits of their skills and knowledge
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
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Providing mentorship and guidance to team members to help them develop their skills and expertise.
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Identifying and addressing skill gaps within the team to ensure all members are able to contribute effectively.
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Encouraging innovation and creativity among team members to drive continuous improvement.
Assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Providing guidance and support to team members as they adapt to changes in project scope or requirements.
- Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and development to ensure team members are equipped to meet changing needs.
- Providing resources and tools to support team members as they navigate new challenges.
Develop others to meet changing technical and managerial needs
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Identifying areas where team members can benefit from additional training or development opportunities.
- Developing and implementing training to enhance the skills and knowledge of team members.
- Providing mentorship and guidance to team members to help them grow in their roles.
Manage quality processes and contribute to quality improvements
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Establishing and monitoring quality control processes to ensure project deliverables meet or exceed client expectations.
- Conducting regular audits of project deliverables to identify areas for improvement.
- Working with team members to implement improvements to processes and procedures that enhance project quality.
Demonstrate continuous quality improvement and promote best practice
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
- Leading by example in identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes that enhance project quality.
- Staying up to date with industry best practices and sharing this knowledge with team members to ensure they are equipped to deliver high-quality work.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
Summary
Attribute 2, focusing on management and leadership, is a cornerstone for civil engineers aiming to excel in their professional reviews and careers. It encompasses essential skills such as planning, organizing, directing, and controlling engineering tasks and resources.
By mastering this attribute, engineers can effectively lead teams, adapt to evolving technical and managerial demands, and drive continuous quality improvements.
Demonstrating proficiency in Attribute 2 not only ensures successful project outcomes but also fosters professional growth and the promotion of best practices within the engineering field.
