Leadership Blueprints Beyond Technical Skills: Why Engineers Need Leadership Training with Ron Bennett
Feb 19, 2025
Ron Bennett, Founding Dean and Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas, shares insights from his remarkable journey in engineering and leadership education. He reflects on key formative experiences that shaped his understanding of leadership and the importance of mentorship. Bennett discusses his book, Leadership for Engineers, emphasizing how self-awareness can transform limiting beliefs into leadership qualities. He also highlights the need for effective decision-making and relationship-building in engineering, paving the way for future leaders.
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Early Influences
- Ron's uncle, a Corps of Engineers officer, nurtured his technical curiosity with gifts like an erector set and a Lionel train.
- He also instilled financial discipline by giving Ron two dimes daily, one to spend and one to save.
Telex Trouble
- Ron sent a telex to a Mississippi plant, blaming manufacturing for product failures.
- His boss defended him against the plant VP, demonstrating loyalty and the importance of quality control independence.
Seek Further Education
- If you feel you lack understanding of certain aspects of your industry, actively seek out knowledge.
- Ron pursued an MBA to understand business decision-making after realizing gaps in his knowledge.
