Survey aims to identify leadership qualities among engineers

Organisers of a survey into what makes an effective engineering leader have called on members and their contacts to take part in new research.

Over decades, studies have taken place into what makes good leaders and why people choose to follow them.

To help identify what makes a strong engineering leader, Nikki Barker CEng MIMechE (pictured above) and her associates have launched a survey to identify the characteristics of an admired engineer.

One of the key aims of the survey is to find out whether the characteristics of an admired engineer are similar – or different – from the strong findings seen in historical and international surveys into leadership.

The survey has been live since 2013 and to date, approximately 500 people have completed it, of which 235 are members of the Institution. Respondents can be engineers at any stage in their career or in retirement or in any role in a company related to engineering.

Colin Brown, Engineering Director at the Institution, has invited members to complete the survey, if they haven’t already done so.

He said: “Industry needs excellent engineering leaders. However, identifying leadership characteristics is difficult and these characteristics are likely to be changing, as industry changes."

"Through this survey, and its resulting report, we aim that the Institution, as well as engineering companies and related organisations, will learn more about how to support leaders in the challenges they face. The mark of success will be helping to develop the most admired engineering leaders in our work and in society.”

The survey asks participants are asked to select seven characteristics, from a list of 20, that they would most look for and admire in an engineering leader: a professional whose direction they would willingly follow.

Nikki comments: “Our desire is to liberate the leader in all engineers. One of the reasons why the Institution is promoting this, is that the survey may provide insight into aspects of professional registration and professional development. My interest is whether a different skill-set is observed when contrasting engineering and non-engineering leaders, and to what degree there are variations.”

Although respondents will be asked to provide some personal information, no details will be shared with other organisations. The aim is to receive approximately 1,000 more completed surveys before compiling the results.

Nikki concludes: “We greatly appreciate the time and input of everyone who takes the time to complete the survey and who helps us develop our understanding of outstanding engineering leaders. We hope that members will share the survey link with colleagues, clients and others connected with engineering.”

About Nikki

Nikki has been involved through a variety of senior roles in the Merseyside and North Wales regional committee for over 20 years. She is an Associate Partner of Perspectiv LLP, a consulting and training organisation, and also runs Redacre Consulting, an engineering, training and development company largely focused on the UK gas and pipeline industries.

She devised this research alongside her colleague Andy Wilkins – Partner at Perspectiv LLP and Honorary Senior Visiting Fellow, Cass Business School – with the support and endorsement of Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, the authors of bestselling books The Leadership Challenge and Credibility.

Complete the Characteristics of an Admired Engineer survey.

If you would like further information, please email Nikki Barker: nikki@perspectiv.co.uk.