Do You Need to Study Industrial Management to Prove Your People Skills as an Engineer?

The idea that you must have a degree or certification in industrial management to prove your people skills is a misconception. In fact, the true measure of your people skills lies in your actions, your behavior during interviews, and the feedback from your references—those who know you well beyond your resume claims.

Frederick Taylor, often referred to as the father of industrial management, serves as a prime example of someone who could manage processes and optimize efficiency but lacked people skills or moral integrity. His theories and practices in industrial management highlight the importance of understanding and implementing effective management strategies, but they do not necessarily imply innate people skills.

People Skills vs. Academic Credentials

Earning a diploma or certificate does not inherently demonstrate people skills. When assessing an individual's people skills, employers look beyond formal qualifications. Instead, they scrutinize the results mentioned in a resume, which can be somewhat misleading. Additionally, how an applicant behaves during interviews can provide valuable insights. The final piece of the puzzle is the feedback from references, who can often tell a more nuanced story about an individual's interpersonal abilities.

For those working in the industrial world, particularly in plant and factory management, improving people skills can significantly enhance professional growth and leadership potential. One example of this is a personal experience where the author became the general manager for three major deep draft petroleum terminals on the east coast.

Can You Develop People Skills Through Training?

While having people skills naturally is rare, development through courses and training is not only possible but often encouraged. Studying industrial management or related leadership courses can provide valuable insights and practical tools for improving your leadership capabilities. Here are a few key benefits:

Leading by Example: Understand how to set a positive and productive example for your team, which in turn can inspire others to follow your lead.

Conflict Resolution: Learn effective strategies to handle conflicts within your team, ensuring that disagreements are resolved cooperatively and civically.

Ethical Leadership: Discover how to treat people with respect and integrity, thus avoiding the negative stereotypes associated with insensitive or autocratic leadership styles.

Taking these courses is a smart decision for those who aspire to lead. By doing so, you position yourself as a thoughtful, ethical, and competent leader. The desire to lead wisely and effectively can be a driving force in seeking out these opportunities.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is not necessary to obtain a degree in industrial management to prove your people skills, taking relevant courses can significantly enhance your capabilities. Developing these skills can lead to better leadership and more successful career advancement in the industrial sector. By focusing on practical and ethical leadership strategies, you can become a respected and valued leader in your organization.