Leadership: The World Is Run by Those Who Show Up

Abstract

Engineers have much to offer the world with their technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Engineers are, in fact, highly respected for these attributes. But they rank in the second tier of professions when it comes to prestige in the general public's perception, mainly because there aren't many engineers involved in visible pursuits. For instance, there are only four professional engineers (P.E.s) in the U.S. Congress and only three dozen among the 6,000-plus state legislators in the United States. This paper discusses the major weaknesses of engineers and the profession in not getting involved and in not showing up, and it also addresses the major strengths possessed by members of the profession that recommend engineers for leadership. Further, the paper details five premier strategies that engineers can use to become more involved, have more impact on public policy, advance their careers personally, and broaden the image and impact of the profession in the world at large.