Engineering Management Institute

Managing People During Growth and Expansion

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This is a guest blog by Ted F. Januszka, P.E.

As we near the half-way mark of 2023, our industry faces a huge challenge with respect to staffing and workforce retention. Simply put, there are not enough engineers in the U.S. to meet the current civil infrastructure demands of the A/E/C industry. I am not going to opine on the importance of workforce development and emphasis of STEM in our schools; however, I want to present another challenge: How do you manage and maintain current staff while growing and attracting new team members?

People management is a topic that has been discussed, studied, and yes, now blogged about for some time. At Pennoni, a 100% employee-owned consulting engineering firm, our employee-owner team members are the #1 asset of our company. This is indeed the case with most engineering firms today, something I recently discussed in a podcast on the topic!

Pennoni is continuing to expand, and our District of Columbia office is one of our newest locations. Located at 80 M Street, this office was opened in the fall 2022! Pennoni has been successfully working with District Department of Transportation (DDOT) since 2014 and during this period, our workload with DDOT has gradually increased. Coming out of the pandemic, we believed it was time to fully commit to DDOT with boots on the ground within the district. At Pennoni, we are committed to our clients and believe there are wonderful opportunities to continue these awesome relationships in the district. We plan to use this opportunity to develop new opportunities with other clients and agencies in Washington, D.C.

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AECT 018: Exploring the Cutting-Edge World of Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing

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Digital InspectionIn this episode, we dive into digital inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) with Hamed Layssi, PEng, Ph.D., the co-founder of FPrimeC Solutions Inc. We explore digital inspection applications, innovative NDT methods for evaluating concrete structures, and NDT’s role in new construction projects.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Digital Inspection

Digital Inspection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Hamed:

  • How has digital inspection revolutionized the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), and what notable advancements have been made in recent years?
  • How has the market changed in terms of available products and industry advancements since early 2002?
  • Can you provide an overview of innovative non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and concrete inspection techniques, and how they work?
  • Can you explain the difference between non-destructive testing (NDT) and traditional inspection, including both digital and non-digital approaches?
  • Are there cases in structure inspection where the involvement of a licensed engineer is essential, while other tasks can be performed by skilled technicians who do not require licensing, similar to the distinction between medical technicians and doctors?
  • Can you provide insights on the applications of non-destructive testing (NDT) in new construction and how it is utilized in that context?
  • Are there core principles of NDT that can be universally applied regardless of whether it’s for new construction or inspection of existing assets?
  • Is the key to the successful implementation of NDT more reliant on the engineer’s use and interpretation of the technology rather than the technology itself?
  • How can the presentation of NDT data be improved to enhance understanding for laypeople and asset owners?
  • What upcoming developments or advancements in the NDT field are you particularly enthusiastic about within the next three to five years?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing:

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TGEP 076: Strategies for Tackling Challenges and Mitigating Risks in Small Geotechnical Engineering Firms

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Geotechnical Engineering FirmsIn this episode, I talk with Pedram MolkAra, M.Sc., M.Eng., P.Geo., P.Eng., geotechnical lead for Canadian Buildings & Infrastructure, Mining, and Environmental Services at Jacobs, about the present status of geotechnical engineering. Pedram sheds light on the hurdles faced by small geotechnical engineering firms, the risks and liabilities involved, and the critical skills required for project management in the field of geotechnical engineering.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Geotechnical Engineering Firms

Geotechnical Engineering Firms

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Pedram:

  • Have you noticed any changes in the university systems for training young engineers in geotechnical and geological engineering?
  • How can a small geotechnical engineering firm differentiate itself to succeed in the industry when competing with larger firms?
  • What are the main risks and liabilities that geotechs must take into account when carrying out their work?
  • How do you effectively manage high-stakes projects in project management and geotechnical engineering, and what are some essential skills for achieving success?
  • Can you share your experience in rehabilitating and reviewing over 50 earth dams and conducting multiple dam safety inspections, and could you explain the significance of conducting regular dam safety inspections?
  • As the founder of the Canadian Geotech group at Jacobs, can you elaborate on how you maintain quality and consistency across all geotechnical projects and manage to stay up to date with all the latest developments in the field?
  • Can you share how your basketball league and triathlon involvement help you maintain a work-life balance?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Strategies for Tackling Challenges and Mitigating Risks in Small Geotechnical Engineering Firms:

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TEQC 030: The Essential Guide to Quality Engineering: Top 10 Episodes Filled with Insights and Key Learnings

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Quality Engineering

In this episode, we revisit the Top 10 Quality Engineering Episodes since the beginning of our podcast. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most insightful discussions and valuable takeaways from these episodes.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Here Are the Top 10 Engineering Quality Control Episodes:

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TEPM 018: Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement Strategies for Engineering Leaders

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Self-ReflectionIn this episode, I talk with Sean Spromberg, P.E., the team leader at MSA Professional Services, about the vital role of self-reflection and continuous improvement for engineering leaders. He also talks about how working in construction benefits engineering and how to overcoming fear in your engineering career.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Self-Reflection

Self-Reflection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Sean:

  • How has working in the construction field been valuable for getting back into engineering and design?
  • How do you approach self-reflection as a team leader and continue to improve yourself in that role?
  • How can being open-minded as a leader benefit your team and organization?
  • How has being willing to try different things helped you today, regardless of the initial fear that can come with it?
  • What advice do you have for overcoming fear and taking risks in your career based on your own experiences?
  • How can individuals continue to seek out new experiences and perspectives throughout their careers?
  • How have challenges strengthened your purpose and shaped your perspective on career and life?
  • What final advice can you offer to engineers and project managers as they advance in their careers?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Self-Reflection and Continuous Improvement Strategies for Engineering Leaders:

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Proactive Steps to Build Relationships and Manage Work Circumstances

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This is a guest blog by Gina Covarrubias

ProactiveHow can you be more proactive to better manage work circumstances and the people in your day-to-day? Here are three topics to consider, along with tips and exercises, to propel yourself toward a path of successful career management.

Tip 1: Squash the Ego and Increase Likability

Researcher and leadership consultant Cy Wakeman brilliantly describes ego in her book, “No Ego.” She states:

“Ego will coax you to be one up or persuade you to be one down. One up, and you’re convinced you’re right, you’re better than the others, and people should always listen to you. One down, and you’re misunderstood, helpless and a victim of circumstances.”

An effective tool to aid your navigation through the nuances of human nature is to recognize and mitigate your own ego.

Proactive

Ego doesn’t want to consider things like forgiveness, moving on, taking full accountability, or open-mindedness. It wants approval, recognition, and validation. It wants to be right, and it doesn’t consider the costs. Too much ego can hamper the ability to find creative solutions. Worse, self-growth will be hindered, and you may experience people leaving your network.

This is no way to manage a successful career! So, how does one recognize and mitigate ego?

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TSEC 103: The Vital Role of Concrete Gravity and Arch Dams in Community Resource Management

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Concrete GravityIn this episode, we talk to Jeremy J. Begley, P.E., SPRAT I, a project structural engineer working with Gannett Fleming in the Dams & Hydraulics group based in Colorado. He shares his passion for engineering and dams and sheds light on how concrete gravity and arch dams contribute significantly to providing crucial resources to communities. We’ll also delve into the advantages and disadvantages of these types of dams, as well as explore the future of dam design and construction, while also emphasizing the significance of having excellent mentors and a supportive work culture. Lastly, we’ll have a chance to witness Jeremy’s impressive talent for voice impressions!

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Concrete Gravity

Concrete Gravity

Concrete Gravity

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jeremy:

  • Could you explain why you find concrete gravity and arch dams fascinating?
  • What are some advantages and disadvantages of concrete dams that contribute to their relatively low representation, at only about 20%, among dams in the U.S.?
  • Could you provide a brief explanation of the differences between a concrete gravity dam and an arch dam?
  • How do concrete gravity dams and arch dams contribute to providing hydroelectric power and water resources for communities?
  • How has technology impacted the analysis of concrete dams, and what advancements do you predict for future structural analysis?
  • What is the importance of mentors in your career, and how have they impacted your professional growth?
  • Why do you believe it is important to have humor and levity in the workplace? Can you provide some examples of how you use humor to promote a positive work culture?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About The Vital Role of Concrete Gravity and Arch Dams in Community Resource Management:

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TCEP 236: Unlocking Hidden Value and Elevating Your A&E Firm’s Success

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A&E In this episode, we delve deep into the realm of business management and leadership for your architecture and engineering A&E firm’s success. Our guest is June Jewell, CPA, a distinguished business management authority and CEO of AEC Business Solutions. June is renowned for her best-selling book, “Find the Lost Dollars,” and her latest publication, “RAISE Your Value,” which outlines a 5-step approach to discovering untapped value, creating a winning competitive advantage, and raising fees. In this episode, June elaborates on these principles and enlightens us on their application in practice.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

A&E

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask June:

  • Can you explain how your new book, “Raise Your Value,” relates to the commoditization of A&E services and why it’s happening in the industry?
  • Can you explain the concept of commoditization and why it is occurring in the A&E industry, as discussed in your new book “Raise Your Value”?
  • Why is strategic client selection important for firms, and what are some effective strategies for selecting the right clients?
  • What are some tips for uncovering hidden value within a firm, as discussed in your book, that can help listeners improve their approach to business?
  • Can you walk us through the 5 steps “Raise Your Value” formula outlined in your new book and explain how it can help firms increase their value and fees?
  • What are some strategies that firms can employ to avoid the trap of competing solely on price?
  • What trends do you see shaping the future of the A&E industry and how can firms adapt to stay ahead of them?
  • What final advice or key takeaways would you offer to up-and-coming leaders in the industry who are seeking to enhance their firm’s value and profitability?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unlocking Hidden Value and Elevating Your A&E Firm’s Success:

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Three Ways Engineers Can Bridge the Gap Between Technical Skills and People Management

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This is a guest post by Tiffani Teachey

people management

“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”
– Stephen R Covey

Engineers are typically known for their technical skills, but people management is a critical aspect of their roles. Engineers who can manage people effectively can drive successful projects, motivate their team, and foster innovation. In this blog, we will explore the importance of people management for engineers and three key points that can help them become effective people managers.

Communication Skills

One of the most important aspects of people management for engineers is communication skills. Effective communication can help an engineer express their ideas clearly, delegate tasks effectively, and manage conflicts within the team. Engineers who can communicate well can ensure that everyone on the team understands their roles, responsibilities, and goals. Additionally, clear communication can also foster collaboration, increase productivity, and ensure that everyone is working toward the same objective.

people management

Emotional Intelligence

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AECT 017: A Journey into Civil Engineering Software Development

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Civil Engineering SoftwareIn this episode, I talk to Dimitrios C. Konstantakos, P.E., the founder of Deep Excavation LLC, who has developed highly effective civil engineering software. We delve into his remarkable journey of creating this software from scratch and explore the crucial role that engineers play in shaping the future of our cities and infrastructure.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Software

Civil Engineering Software

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dimitrios:

  • How did Deep Excavation’s civil engineering software, used by thousands of engineers worldwide, come to be from essentially nothing? Can you share more about how it all started and the process of deep excavation on the software side?
  • Could you talk about the process of starting with a minimum viable product to ensure market demand and how it led to quick success for your business?
  • From 2006 to 2010, what were some of the specific challenges that you faced in gaining traction for Deep Excavation’s civil engineering software within the industry, and how did you overcome them?
  • Can you provide more information on Deep Excavation, including its civil engineering software and target audience?
  • How is augmented reality becoming significant in the construction industry, especially in terms of providing more simplified and visual information for owners?
  • How is marketing different in the context of construction projects, and how are trends in visualization helping to educate project owners?
  • How are younger engineers utilizing your software, and what advice would you give to them as they begin their careers?
  • What is the importance of output verification in technology, software, and artificial intelligence, and how can we ensure accurate results?
  • How do mid to senior-level engineers and project managers utilize the software, and does this change the previous question’s answer on the importance of output verification and relying on experience and expertise?
  • What is the timeline for the shift from hourly rates to lump sum pricing becoming more common in the industry?
  • What is the value of human-to-human connection in engineering and how does the increasing use of software to translate verbal instructions into work products affect that value?
  • With all the advancements in technology, what are the reasons why a competent engineer in the seat won’t be replaced by AI?
  • Could you provide some real-life project examples of how deep excavations are being utilized in today’s construction industry?
  • What is the extent of your software’s usage in different countries around the world?
  • How do you envision your clients all over the world utilizing Deep Excavation software to shape the infrastructure of cities in the next 10 to 15 years, and what role does it play in helping them solve the world’s emerging problems?
  • How do you envision the future for your company and what developments are currently on your radar?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About A Journey into Civil Engineering Software Development:

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