Engineering Approach. PERSONIFIED BY Mr. Spock
People favoring this approach are research oriented and methodical. They favor the use of objective information to seek the best-supported and most logical solution to problems. The focus of this approach is on the rigorous analysis of information. They seek well-reasoned, defendable and optimal solutions to complex problems. They seek to execute their plan and its related steps and processes, and they accept the outcome of a well-executed plan. They tend to be most sensitive to technical issues and focus on intermediate-term problems. They have a high tolerance for ambiguity. They can quickly discern logical consistencies and inconsistencies within a set of facts.
Those biased toward an Engineering approach prefer to conduct thorough research and do rigorous analysis of large volumes of information. They think through problems logically and develop detailed plans and then adhere to those plans. They are data driven in their decision making and value accuracy. They make decisions and take action after reviewing the facts and let the data drive the decisions. They are logical and rational in their decision-making. The strength of those biased toward the Engineering approach is being effective at processing information and making decisions that are a good fit for the existing circumstances.
People favoring this approach tend to be motivated by power and status and they enjoy solving complex problems. At times, others view them as being rigid and overly data driven. They can be highly autocratic. These leaders can be heard to say, "What do the facts tell us?”
Under stress, they follow rules. The "approach advisory" includes a high potential for needlessly extensive analysis that produces a long cycle of studies and reports. This can be seen in an “Analysis Paralysis” condition when there is limited data, where there are few precedents, or when human opinions are the most relevant to the problem.
General example: It is the 15th of the month, your bank account balance is very different than what you expect, and rent is due at the end of the month.
Investment example: You must evaluate the financial statements of 500 companies to determine which stocks are most attractive (undervalued) compared to the current market price of the stocks.
Person: Mr. Spock from Star Trek. He used logic and deductive reasoning to guide his decisions and actions.
Management Priorities and Practices Associated with Engineering Approach
Organizational Structure: They prefer to have formal organizational boundaries and clear lines of accountability; they like well-defined organizational structures.
Methods of Control: Those biased toward the Engineering approach place high priority on using rules and procedures to influence others.
Reporting and Communication: They prefer long written reports.
Move to Decision Making: They end discussion when carefully prepared reports with objective information and well-researched options have been reviewed.
Process Character: They prefer highly-structured decision-making and workflow processes.
Motivational Techniques: People favoring this approach tend to motivate others through the strength of their analysis, asserting control of the processes, the apparent logic of their conclusions, and by offering specific rewards for support.
Habits of Effective Engineering Managers
One can improve skills in using this approach by doing the following:
<> Make extra effort to research and logically evaluate different options before making decisions
<> Consciously emphasize accuracy (making sure you get the right answer) in the work you do
<> Inventory the information that already exists and consider it before making decisions
<> Implement “Plan-Do-Review” processes of developing strategies to accomplish objectives
<> Make extra effort to describe in a logical, linear way what you are thinking
<> Search for and address problems related to poorly researched decisions
<> Watch out for not appreciating the complexity of some efforts, and for making poorly grounded decisions
Suggested Reading and Resources
Evidence-Based Management
Engineers as Leaders
https://blog.bliley.com/engineers-great-leaders
Why Engineers Make Great CEOs
https://knowledge.insead.edu/blog/insead-blog/why-engineers-make-great-ceos-3318
Dr. Deming's 14 Points for Management
https://deming.org/explore/fourteen-points
Analytical Leaders: Five Key Tips To Increase Your Performance
