It Takes a Village

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:39:29 -0400

There's an ancient African proverb that states: "It takes a village to raise a child." This proverb reinforces the idea that it takes a community of individuals supporting each other in order to raise a child. I believe the same can be said for ASCE. From the leadership at ASCE National to the elected Board of Direction to Section and Branch leaders working in their regions...it is the joint efforts of all these groups working with our staff that have allowed ASCE to grow and evolve over the past 155 years.

I will be in Washington, D.C. at the end of this week and during my time there I plan to visit ASCE National to thank our staff who continue to work diligently for ASCE and its members. While it is our volunteer members who establish the direction for ASCE, it is largely staff that executes many of these directions. Like the network of civil engineering professionals who comprise ASCE's membership, ASCE staff members possess diverse professional backgrounds and bring their expertise to benefit our Society and our profession. One very important thing that we all share is a love for the civil engineering profession. Each member of this community is vested in the continued success of our Society. I firmly believe that it is the team mentality and not just individuals themselves that drive success. As I like to say, there is no "I" in team and I think our Society is proof that through hard work and determination we will continue to see success for the next 155 years!

How do you feel that your ASCE involvement has benefited from this team mentality?

Read Any Good Books Lately?

Wed, 7 Mar 2007 09:21:09 -0500

I attended the final leadership conference in Bellevue, Washington in late February. During my time there, I had one final opportunity to give a talk to our members about the importance of good leadership skills, which I feel are critical for success. During my talk, one member asked if I knew of any good books on leadership. I referred him to "The West Point Way of Leadership" by Larry R. Donnithorne. It is a simple, quick read, and straight-forward.

I gather that some students and younger members would read about leadership if they knew where to go. This book emphasizes the points I make about the value of leadership. Leadership is what separates winners and losers at the top of any career. Everyone may have a good resume and experience, but vision and leadership skills are what make the difference. Often, people who have reached the pinnacle of success have a broad spectrum of leadership styles. Some people are exceptional at adapting their leadership style to fit various situations. The ability to recognize what type of leader is needed to get a job done is a talent that will set you apart.

What books have inspired you to become a better leader?

President's Blog

It Takes a Village

Read Any Good Books Lately?