Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Book Review - The Unwritten Laws of Engineering by W.J. King

I was intrigued enough by a twitter conversation about this book that I purchased a copy online.

Over my career, should I have written down things that apply to engineers, I've a feeling that many of the topics in this book would have made it into my notes.

As an example, and relevant to me this very day, "Cultivate the habit of seeking other peoples' opinions and recommendations."

Had I not asked "Jerry" to review some materials I was working on, I would not have known that a partial solution was already completed and those materials were available to me to extend the work of a predecessor(s).  I would have liked to have my name on the total solution, but as it turns out, the solution was expedited by days if not weeks.

The reason this one thing seems so difficult for engineers to understand is that it isn't a sign of weakness or lack of knowledge or how to apply response to problem.  It's more about understanding the background of the issue and acting with more relevant information.

This book is replete with examples such as this one that may well be applied to engineers in all professions on a daily basis.

If you're in the mood for some truths, if not entirely Laws of Engineering, I recommend you pick up this book.  


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