The fall edition of our Steamlines newsletter featured an article by Nationwide Boiler's President, Jeff Shallcross, which discussed the writings of W.J. King and his publication The Unwritten Laws of Engineering. King's list of “laws†describes engineering guidelines of professional conduct for those new to the engineering field.
Below is an excerpt from the article, however you can download the complete Steamlines newsletter and become a subscriber by visiting Nationwide's website.
- However menial and trivial your early assignments may appear, give them your best efforts.
- There is always a premium upon the ability to get things done, and this requires energy, resourcefulness, and persistence.
- Before asking for approval of any major action, have a definite plan and program worked out to support it.
- Strive for conciseness and clarity in oral or written reports; be extremely careful of the accuracy of your statements.
- One of the first things you owe your supervisor is to keep him informed of all significant developments.
- Whenever your work affects another department or another employee, make sure they know what you are doing, and why.
- Get the facts, make an analysis, apply judgment, and make a decision; do not hesitate or be indecisive.
- Be interested in the people who work with you or for you, and treat them as you would want to be treated.
- Regard your personal integrity as one of your most important assets.
- Be careful of your personal appearance; if you are an executive, look the part.
Many additional “laws†could be added to the list however, the following summarizes the above information best:
"You should make an effort to learn what is expected of you in your job. Realize that people do form first impressions of you; people do appraise your appearance, the way you conduct yourself, and your ability to accomplish assigned tasks; and these evaluations are being made all the time."