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In this episode, I talk with Adam Zach, PE, a project engineer at an environmental engineering firm in Grand Forks, North Dakota. We talk about the importance of goal setting for engineers and how setting goals has greatly contributed to his success in his career, but even better Adam shares his process in this episode, so you can use it too!
The prototypical engineer is analytical, logical, accurate, communicative, creative, and, most importantly, confident. However, that’s not to say that a person must be confident to become an engineer. In fact, many of the traits seemingly intrinsic in engineering students are actually acquired during the course of their educations – confidence included. Several studies have found that education is imperative for bolstering self-esteem and to eliminate insecurities.
The good idea fairy is insidious. Sure, he comes on meaning well and espouses great outcomes and high returns. But he shows up in the eleventh hour just when the moment of execution is about to arrive, just when the moment of truth is upon you. Right at the wrong time. And he brings with him a whole list of unnecessary changes and additional work.
As a leader, you must control the good idea fairy and the only way to do so is through courage and preparation. You will battle him on every major undertaking in which you do not call the shots. You will battle him when you least expect it. So plan your response now so you will be ready.
Not familiar with the Good Idea Fairy? The origin of the term is in the U.S. military and describes an evil, mythical creature that whispers advice and ideas into the ears of leadership, causing hundreds of unnecessary changes and countless wasted man-hours. The term may have it’s origin in the military, but sightings of the good idea fairy can happen anywhere faulty ideas enter the brains of leaders and decision makers. Think you’re immune? Ever completed a task on which you were inexperienced or confused? Do you have a hard time listening to advice or input from others? If so, then you are a likely candidate for a visit by the good idea fairy. [Read more…]
