JOINT MEETING OF THE EAST BRANCH AND STUDENT CHAPTER

OF THE ASCEAT THE YEH CENTER

Tuesday, March 27, 20125:30 p.m.

CORE COMPETENCIES TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LEADER IN

CIVIL ENGINEERING

CORE COMPETENCIES

Possesses Integrity Is Accountable Is Decisive Is Public Service

Oriented Empowers Others Is Deliberate Is a Communicator

Shows Respect for Others

Is Technically Knowledgeable

Manages Resources Is Resilient Delegates Maintains Balance

Possesses Integrity

Committed True to yourself Conscience Different values = Disagreement Both sides can maintain integrity Leader asks organization to do as they do Spin & integrity are not compatible concepts Foundation of the other 12 competencies

Is Accountable

Doing what we’re hired to do Make & keep promises Practice persistence & patience Don’t expect others to do what you won’t Behavior in sync with values Don’t focus on “what’s in it for me?”

Is Decisive

Find a mentor for advice Start small Cost of evaluation vs. cost of risk Be willing to admit when you’re wrong

Is Public Service Oriented

Why do we do this? Variety Challenges Decision Making Project/program

development Interaction Ability to make a

difference

Empowers Others

Create environment of support & open communication

Trust- Give permission to fail encourages risk taking, creativity,

initiative Be clear on limits of authority Principles of an empowered organization

Empowers Others

Principles of an empowered organization Leadership belongs to all employees Tools, training & authority made available Information is power & therefore shared Culture of support A continuous process

Is Deliberate

Careful, thorough & aware of risks A Public Works Professional will:

Listen to the problem Quickly absorb the data Calmly make a decision

Analyze Risk Seek Input Act quickly Decisions fit mission, vision, values

Is a Communicator

Basic elements: Source, Message, Channel & Audience

Source: Prepare with right facts, verbiage and material

Message: Clarity, Simplicity, Details Channel: Brainstorm questions in advance Audience: Define the target audience

Shows Respect for Others

Give respect to earn respect Make it a habit No one respects a bully Demonstrate respect through common

courtesy: Undivided attention Be on time

Remember you are being watched

Is Technically Knowledgeable

The way things work = building, operating and maintaining

Also need: finance, personnel, administration, politics and more

APWA offers wide array of educational opportunities

Need to maintain an attitude of constant learning

Manages Resources

How do you begin? Mission Statement Vision Statement Values of the organization Goals Strategies Accountability (performance indicators)

Mission StatementThe Urbana Public Works Department is dedicated to ensuring prompt, courteous and exemplary service to the community in a professional, efficient, and cost-effective manner, striving to enhance the quality of life by preserving the safety, health and welfare of those served by our organization, while promoting the City’s economic growth by constructing, maintaining, and improving the public infrastructure.

Manages Resources

Methods Sharing of resources Utilizing your employees Reviewing your methods Developing a strategic plan Performance indicators

Is Resilient

Basis for public service is loving what we do.

Some coping mechanisms Humor Seeing the “big picture” Remember the contribution you’re

making Encourage your peers

Delegates

You can’t do it all yourself Connection to other core competencies

Communication Accountability Managing resources Maintain balance

Delegation is an indication of trust

You can’t do it all yourself Connection to other core competencies

Communication Accountability Managing resources Maintain balance

Delegation is an indication of trust

Maintains Balance

Maintain Perspective You can’t do everything at once If you are out of action, you cannot get

the job done. Maintain effectiveness through personal

renewal.

William R. Gray, P.E.DirectorUrbana Public Works Department706 South Glover AvenueUrbana, Illinois 61802217.384.2342wrgray@urbanaillinois.us