Proverbs for Young Engineers

PROVERBS FOR YOUNG ENGINEERS
and
Some Older Ones, Too
By Philip Swain
Editor, Power Magazine

1. The ability to see the obvious is a rare and valuable talent.

2. In the engineering world, brilliance doesn’t rate unless tied to common sense, character, and dependability.

3. To go places in an organization, be known as the man who does what he said he would do and gets it done on time.

4. So many silly things are done in business that merely not being silly is a formula for success.

5. The young graduate should not try to impress his fellow workers with the extent of his knowledge; the truth will leak out soon enough.

6. Never assume that something will get done, just because you arranged to have it done. If the matter is important, check, recheck and then check again.

7. If the facts of business life don’t seem to jibe with the theories you have learned, stop, and think before you deny the facts.

8. Self-management is one of the most difficult arts and one of the most important.

9. If you can’t get along with a few people it may be their fault. If you can’t get along with many, it’s always your own fault.

10. You’11 never find a man who isn’t smarter than you in some respects; why not admit it?

12. To make a man your friend, ask his advice sincerely.

13. In petty squabbles, jealousies and gossip, the innocent bystander may get hurt. Stand back.

14. The most common and important engineering operations are talking and writing.

15. The engineer who is a warm, expressive human being will always stand out in the crowd of overly modest and tongue-tied technologists.

16. There is neither sense nor profit in talking over people’s heads. Plain talk is best, however profound the thought.

17. When small ideas in big words fail, try big ideas in small words.

16. To learn how to make a good speech, attend a typical engineering society meeting. Note just how the papers are presented. Then go thou and do otherwise.

18. Number one requirement for any executive is an understanding of people and the ability to select them, direct them and win their loyal cooperation.

19. Both fairness and good business demand that you work always for the man who works for you.

20. In general a man is made an executive not because he is outstanding in any respect but because all the other candidates are badly lacking in some essential quality.

21. For success in co-operative ventures, associate yourself with men who have the habit of success in all they undertake.

22. Be polite to all the people you meet as you climb the ladder of success. You may pass some of them again on the way down.

23. No man will go far who can’t perform the impossible now and then when occasion requires.

24. If your abilities are not appreciated, don’t sulk; get another job. This is a free country.

25. Men are promoted not as a reward for past performance, but in expectation of future performance. Your past work is a sample, not an IOU.

26. Don’t expect high position if you lack the courage to stand on your own feet, take full responsibility, make firm decisions, and face the consequences without flinching.