Peggy Hutcheson, Ph.D. talked today about what it takes to stay ahead of the competition. She started the talk with pointing out what is different about the engineering profession today - Almost everything! Comments from the audience expressed that engineers once read technical publications, dealt directly with customers; are now expected to work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborate with engineers across the country and world, be connected 24/7 through email; and one must keep up with new technology. The pre-conference survey results align with these comments; the engineering profession is changing. On the upside, the small business is driving business. Small businesses are more innovative and produce 13 times more patents per employee patenting firm.Mrs. Mutcheson went on to explain that careers are shifting, talents are commoditized and she stressed integrative thinking. How do we respond to this career shift? Self definition plays a key role in innovation! One should not ask am I innovative, rather one should ask how I am innovative? We all have an equal potential for being innovative; however, nne must develop a innovation strategy - a different way of thinking. There are four styles of thinking: visioning, exploring, modifying and experimenting; each with their own springboard questions that stimulate innovation.
To make the styles of innovation session a learning experience, she divided the audience into 4 groups and assigned a thinking style. After 5 minutes of idea generation the groups reported 2 to 3 innovative ideas about job retention and career shifting. The brainstorming experience was well received. The next topic of the session was career derailers, which are beliefs (attitude), a failure to build relationships (interpersonal skills) and having a narrow focus. The final topic was maintaining career competitiveness. Know your brand! Know your brand! Know your brand! The other suggestions were network in new ways, know the market, know the competition and build your legacy. The presentation generated a good discussion until the end of the session!
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