The other day I was speaking with one of my clients who is a consulting engineer and also the owner of a small consulting engineering company. In his line of work, he is often called on when his clients are in trouble with a municipality or building department. For example, a client may call him when a building permit has been revoked, therefore his job is to figure out why and help his client to restore the building permit to good standing so that the project may proceed.
My client tells me that in this scenario, the owner (or his client) is always angry because of the situation they are in, which they often caused themselves. They never want to pay the engineer because they feel that the municipality is wrong and they are just causing them to waste money. Ultimately, they see the consulting engineer in this case simply as an expense; and they can’t wait to cut that expense.
Doing this type of work can really weigh you down and present a lot of negative energy because your clients may constantly make you feel like the bad guy. Clients in these situations rarely view you as someone who is coming to save the day, because they don’t agree with what the municipality thinks needs saving.
Don’t get me wrong, there are many engineering careers that are rewarding and fulfilling. For example, you design a bridge and see it being built and used, you design a part for a new airplane and you see it transporting people around the world, you design a school and see it impact the lives of children; but what about the scenario I discuss above?
If you are an engineer who constantly helps clients dig themselves out of holes that they created, how do you maintain a positive outlook? And do you consider your engineering career to be fulfilling?
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To your success,
Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
It’s probably the case that the client is directing the negative energy at the consultant because he (or she) is handy and available, and it’s much easier (some would say more satisfying) to be mad at a person than at a municipality or building department. Having clarity about that–it’s not you they’re mad at, you’re just the easiest target–might help.
Yes Susan I would suspect you are right; in most cases they are probably mad at the municipality or the situation. Realizing that and remembering it may help, although after a while that may even wear you down regardless. I agree though, your mindset is a key factor in working through the negative energy. Thanks!
Those situations are where I perform the best. I evaluate the situation and if what the municipality is asking for is legit I state that to the client up front and why it is. Like you say some clients are upset because of a mess they created. If they do not like the truth then they may not turn out to be a good client anyway….they do not want to recognize this is a mess they created then they may want to pretend you are a social worker and are helping for no pay. It is a bit of test on both parts, the client and the engineer. I have picked up a lot of good clients fixing problems. The ones that accept the truth are usually good.
Also as an engineering manager I have found it requires that I also be a part time psychiatrist as well. What those clients are doing is venting. If someone feels comfortable enough to vent to me then I feel I am doing my job very well and that is an excellent client relationship. Who are they going to go to next time they need engineering work. They are coming to me.
It is all how we perceive the situation. I use to have an employee (a very good one) that would come to me from time to time and say “I have a problem……” My first response was always it’s not a problem it’s an opportunity.
That’s great feedback Rich – I love your second paragraph about how if they are venting to you, you are doing your job – that is a great perspective! I am going to pass that along to my client!!
Shalom Anthony
If you think that the situation is different in other cauntries you have a big mistake.60% of working time of an architect or a consulting eng. are spend in the corridors in the city hall.courage! a.b-s
Thanks Avi – I guess engineers all over the world go through the same pain!
As a municipal engineer, most of what I do operates in the above described dynamic. I endure a lot of headache for the unnamed future user or for the unknowing mass of the community. 100% of my time is in City Hall. The act of being a gatekeeper is not inherently rewarding, most of the time I am viewed as an obstacle rather than as a collaborator. The good relationships are those that are team oriented, but no open minded muni engineer should expect no push back or questioning, neither should a teammate.
I hear you Ben – the municipal engineers are often painted as the bad guys or gals. How do you stay positive in that role?
I was lucky enough to have a boss that recognized that a municipal engineer needs to have the experience of managing projects as well as reviewing. I was able to gain a perspective into what it is like to deal with government agencies at they same time that I was a representative of a government agency. When things are tough, it is great to be able to empathize. By no means have I figured it out……
Great insight Ben – I really appreciate you leaving these comments here, I am sure all readers will benefit. Thanks!
Love this article. Especially the line:
“the owner (or his client) is always angry because of the situation they are in, which they often caused themselves”
In India, choosing Engineering as a profession is 80% status / job security and 20% passion
Of these also, after loss of Engineers to other countries, other professions and management, the number of Engineers devoted to Engineering is miniscule.
And they, too aren’t exactly nurtured, thanks to the classic line I quoted from this article 🙂
Your welcome Sanjeev – thanks for sharing your thoughts here!