We’ve all heard the adage that “Leaders are Readers.” And while it certainly feels a little cliche, that doesn’t make it any less true. In fact, at BTI360 we are often asked, “As an engineer, what books should I read to be a better leader?”
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So today I want to share 9 books that every engineer should read. By no means is this list exhaustive, but these nine books have had a tremendous impact on my life, as well as many others in engineering leadership roles I know. It’s a great place to get started on your own journey to understand what good and true leadership is all about.
Engineering Leadership Step 1: Leading Yourself
One of our core behaviors at BTI360 is “Grow Each Day.” That’s the premise behind Leading Yourself. Before leading others we must start by leading ourselves well. We should each ask ourselves:
- Am I a leader worth following?
- Do I lead by example?
As engineers, the following books teach us to take extreme ownership of our craft, serve the engineers around us, and approach our craft with passion. These three concepts will transform your engineering leadership and the influence on you have on those around you.
- Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif BabinWillink and Babin share war stories as U.S. forces secure Ramadi, Iraq, a city deemed “all but lost” during the fight against ISIS. From these war stories the two Navy SEALS have taken war tested leadership principles and have adapted them to the day to day lives of business.
- The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership by James C. HunterIn this fable, we learn “Leadership is not about what you do, it’s about who you are.” Engineers follow men and woman of character. We also learn that leadership is about service. Great leaders strive to not think less of themselves but to think of themselves less. As Hunter states, “To Lead is to Serve.”
- The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary by Mark SanbornThe Fred Factor is a story of a mail carrier named Fred. Fred loved his job and cared deeply for those he served. The Fred Factor inspires others that are passionate about their work to go the extra mile. The Freds of the world seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
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Engineering Leadership Step 2: Leading Others
Leadership expert John Maxwell states “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” If leadership is influence, how do you gain influence? Influence is achieved through relationships.
As engineers we must understand that leadership is a relationship. This lesson doesn’t always come easy for us. With practice, we can learn how to develop relationships just like learning a new programming language. The following books will teach us how to “Lead with Love,” understand what motivates others, and equip us to engage in crucial conversations.
- Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel ManbyLove Works shows leaders how to lead with love. We’re not talking about romantic love. We’re talking about leaders truly caring for their people. Leaders that want what’s best for their people and that will make personal sacrifices for their people. Leaders that do the right thing even when it’s hard. You will never look at leadership the same after reading this book.
- Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel PinkDaniel Pink details what motivates knowledge workers. It’s not perks, bonuses, and late night pizza. Knowledge workers are seeking Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose in their work. Creating an environment where teams can pursue these values will then take your team to new heights you could only dream of.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson and Joseph GrennyLeaders are willing to have hard conversations. Leaders who avoid these kinds of conversations are not helping their co-workers get better. Crucial Conversations helps make conversations you’d typically avoid less scary.
Engineering Leadership Step 3: Leading Teams
To effectively lead engineering teams a leader must understand and recognize the ingredients of healthy teams, great team players, and effective communication. These ingredients are the foundation to being able to improve team dynamics and mentor other leaders. I have found the following to be the most influential books when it comes to working with and leading engineering teams.
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniTeams must work well together to deliver results. Therefore, in this book, Patrick Lencioni uses a leadership fable to define the five dysfunctions that prevent teams from achieving their potential. After reading this book, then you’ll be able to quickly identify what is holding your team back from reaching its true potential.
- The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues by Patrick LencioniPatrick Lencioni followed up the Five Dysfunctions of a Team with another leadership fable that teaches what it takes to be a great team player. The fable is a strong tool to share with your teams. It illustrates what each individual must contribute to make a great team.
- Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr ReynoldsGreat leaders are great communicators. In today’s world too many presentations have speakers reading bullets from text heavy slides. Garr Reynolds details how to construct a presentation, design the slides, and deliver inspirational messages to any audience. If you are giving presentations, then this is a must read.
I hope this blog proves to be a valuable resource for whenever you’re looking to take your engineering leadership skills to the next level! Remember, after you read any of these books, don’t let the leadership ideas that you learn collect dust. Experiment with what they say, then try the ideas out. Once you see what works best for you, then you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better leader.
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Structural Dynamics by Yong Bai and Zhao-Dong Xu
Wiley-Scrivener, 2019
Fully understanding and eliminating dynamic problems involving structures is critical for high performance and safety. This book discusses basic theories and concepts of structural dynamics, including equation of motion, single-degree and multi-degree of freedom systems, distributed-parameter systems, stochastic structural vibrations, and research projects of structural dynamics.
Systems Engineering for Aerospace: A Practical Approach by Richard Sheng
Academic Press, 2019
This book describes how to measure and manage aircraft programs from start to finish. Real-world examples of challenging situations and solutions will help aerospace engineers to learn how to simplify aircraft design and develop a lifecycle strategy using the Integrated Master Plan/Schedule (IMP/IMS) process that improves quality and reduces costs.
Bifacial Photovoltaics: Technology, Applications and Economics by Joris Libal and Radovan Kopecek
The Institution of Engineering and Technology, 2018
Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules are unique in that they utilize light from both sides and can therefore significantly increase the amount of electricity generated, compared to standard PV modules. There is, however, a lack of comprehensive, up-to-date information on this topic—until now. This books provides a thorough review of bifacial photovoltaics, with a focus on crystalline silicon technology.
Principles of Forensic Engineering Applied to Industrial Accidents by Luca Fiorentini and Luca Marmo
Wiley, 2019
Forensic engineering is an investigative process that results in discovering the causes of an accident or its near miss. In order to keep potentially dangerous failures from happening again in future projects, it’s absolutely critical to understand the critical flaws in thinking or design that lead to these problems in the first place. This book’s authors provide numerous real-life case studies that illustrate forensic engineering methods.
Advanced Aerospace Materials: Aluminum-Based and Composite Structures by Haim Abramovich
De Gruyter, 2019
This book provides an overview of aerospace materials and how they are used in the design and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft. Various aspects of design, failure, and monitoring of structural components are discussed, including relevant formulas and analyses. Other topics covered in the book are fatigue, crack propagation, vibration and buckling, optimization of thin-walled structures, and structural health monitoring.
The Science and Engineering of Mechanical Shock by Carl Sisemore and Vit Babuska
Springer, 2019
Mitigating the potential for shock is extremely important in aerospace, civil, naval, and mechanical systems. The authors explain how to identify potential shock environments using the latest diagnostic tools, including non-spectral methods. Development of single-degree-of-freedom theory and the theory of the shock response spectra are also discussed.
Flow Control Techniques and Applications by Jinjun Wang and Lihao Feng
Cambridge University Press, 2018
This comprehensive guide to various flow control techniques discusses approaches such as the vortex generator, biological techniques, the jet and synthetic jet, the plasma actuator, and closed-loop control. An overview of the discipline of flow control is presented, as well as the characteristics and control mechanisms for each technique.
PE Study Exam: Mechanical Engineering: Machine Design and Materials by Kevin Klein and Scott Hart
Independently published, 2019
Klein and Scott are two professional engineers who took and passed the first revision of the updated 2017 PE exam for Mechanical Engineering: Machine Design and Materials. They created this 80-question practice exam to help other engineers prepare for the exam. “Most of the materials we used to study had practice problems that were too complicated or led us to study unnecessary concepts,” they write. “We present material that we wish we had while studying for the exam.”
Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing by Yogesh Jaluria
Springer, 2018
Advanced materials are a rapidly developing field across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. The author discusses the advanced processing of new and emerging materials and how they are used in manufacturing systems. Topics discussed include fiber optics, polymeric and composite materials, alloys, microscale components, and processes for prediction, design, and optimization.
People Skills for Engineers by Tony Munson
Independently published, 2018
Few engineers receive people-skills training as students or professionals. As a result, many engineers struggle with interpersonal challenges while working alongside other people. This book is intended to help engineers solve their communications problems and improve relationships with co-workers and managers. “I instantly recognized some ‘difficult engineer’ behaviors I was guilty of myself,” writes a reviewer. “The author gives real-world, practical advice that can be used to immediately start improving your people skills.”
The Manager's Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Changeby Camille Fournier
O’Reilly Media, 2017
A recent survey by Managers Club asked over 65 engineering leaders to recommend just one book for developing excellent management skills—a transition that is often difficult for mechanical engineers. This book was the top choice. Fournier discusses ways of being a good mentor, managing yourself and multiple teams, and building a team culture. “Each chapter represents another step in the, well… manager’s path, which makes it immediately useful for anyone regardless of where they are in that path,” notes a review by a director of engineering. “It’s almost an encyclopedia of management.”
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Mark Crawford is a technology writer based in Madison, Wis.