Developing Employees and Future Leaders is the Constant Among Many Variables

Developing Employees and Future Leaders is the Constant Among Many Variables

The ACEC/MA Emerging Leaders Program is celebrating 20 years this Fall! A lot has changed in those two decades and even more over the past two years. Over that time, the program has been continually refined to make sure that it is preparing tomorrow’s leaders for the world that they will be leading whatever that may be.

Over the past two years, our clients and all of us have made a rapid change from in-office teams and companies to virtual teams and companies. We made investments into home offices, video conferencing equipment, virtual private networks, remote desktop access, file sharing and cyber security. Our firm leaders had to learn to lead their firms, divisions and teams through virtual meetings, emails and messages.

The one constant through all of this forced change is that our people, as always, are our most valuable asset. Investing in our people still proves to provide the best return for our company’s present and future. Our future leaders will still be leading people whether in person or from miles away.

Joanne Linowes, co-chair of The Leadership Education Committee (LEC), explains that the LEC develops, plans and executes programs that focus on preparing the next generation of leaders in design firms. Because “inquiring minds want to know” the value and success of the leadership education courses, Joanne spoke with two firm leaders, who are members of the LEC, to get their perspective:

Peter Delano, PE, Senior Vice President at Nobis Group

Ed Baumann, PE, Structural Group Manager and Senior Associate at Alfred E. Benesch and Company

Joanne:  Ed, as co-chair of LEC with me, tell us about the range of courses ACEC/MA offers.

Ed:  Focusing on specific leadership skills as well as the business side of our profession, beyond Emerging Leaders, the Committee offers additional programs throughout the year: Everest, a forum for CEOs to discuss the range of issues affecting firms; Odyssey, a year­long course for improving management and leadership skills; Genesis, an introduction to how a firm works for technical professionals; and our two writing courses Effective Writing and When Words Matter – Words Really Do Matter for anyone who writes.

Joanne:  Pete, you have enrolled many young professionals from Nobis Group to the Genesis program over the years since Genesis started. What kind of response did you get?

Pete:  I spoke with Alyssa Epstein, Project Scientist, who found the ACEC/MA Genesis class to be insightful. She explained, “It’s already helping me grow my career by expanding my leadership foundation and implementing management and communication skills throughout my workday.” As her supervisor, I am pleased with how she is better able to contribute to not only to projects, but also to the firm.

Joanne:  What is the impact of the Genesis and Emerging Leaders programs on your staff and your firm?

Ed: We send all of our Designers and Engineers through the Genesis Program and all of our Project Managers though the Emerging Leaders Program. It is amazing to see our strong technical professionals come back after these programs asking questions about operations and business development and eager to take on more responsibility.

Joanne:  Ed, what feedback are you getting from top executives in leading engineering firms about Leadership Education courses?

Ed:  Lisa A. Brothers, President and CEO, Nitsch Engineering says that “Nitsch has sent several senior people to the ACEC/MA Odyssey program and every single one of them came back saying that it was the BEST leadership training they have ever attended and that they are much more self-aware. I strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to take their personal leadership to the next level.”  That is exactly why LEC programs are of such value to every firm.

Joanne: Pete, you have heard from your colleagues at other firm about what their staff has gained from such training. What reaction stands out for you?

Pete:  Getting reactions directly from course participants does two things:  it indicates the value of the classes for each firm, as well as guides the LEC in evaluating course content and approaches. I learned that after attending the Genesis Program, Michael T. Trovato, Project Environmental Scientist, Tighe & Bond commented that "The Genesis Program…gave me the opportunity to improve my understanding of how engineering firms operate. Through the Program, I was introduced to several industry professionals with extensive experience that were eager to share their knowledge and experience on course topics to create a unique and engaging atmosphere."

Joanne, Ed, Pete:  We invite you to learn more about the value and impact on leadership development through ACEC/MA programs. Check out the following words from participants and their supervisors.

To take advantage of these programs, keep an eye on your inbox for notifications and click here for more information.