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The 14 Essential Qualities of an Executive – in 1922.

ipsdesigners

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Professional Engineer Magazine recently referenced this 1922 chart “Essential Qualities of an Executive.”

For starters, some of the words here definitely sound odd to us in 2013 – e.g. does anyone still use the word ‘industry’ to describe perseverance? Also, an exhaustive online search yielded not one definition for ‘domination of will’ but it sounds kind of scary. Maybe they meant ‘persuasiveness’. But weird words notwithstanding, the importance of exhibiting the above listed qualities in the workplace still rings true — even 90+ years later. One thing that has changed since 1922 is that these qualities are now required of all professionals, not just executives.

It’s fun to consider the list and reflect on how we think we stack up to it as individuals. For services companies and consultants, it’s even more important to understand how your entire organization stands this test of quality. Whether you’re a product design firm, law firm or a cleaning company, if your products are your people and the services they provide, then these qualities must always be evident individually and collectively. AtIPS we continually hold ourselves to these standards in our behavior towards each other and towards everyone we encounter outside the company.

In 1922, the Professional Engineers were encouraged to ‘Study this table for suggestions’.  How do you and your company strive to maintain these “Essential Qualities”?

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  • in reply to DAB

    DAB

    We seem to have  quite a few that do exactly the opposite.

    Perhaps you could come over and give them a few lessons.

     

    I'll have to write up the school teachers one from a similar period. ...need to dig out the photo.

    Mark

  • in reply to mcb1

    Hi Mark,

     

    If you think they would listen, I would go to NZ to see if I could help.

     

    The other practice I encouraged was management by walking around.  Not to spy, but just to check with everyone who worked for me to see if there was something I could do to help and to give them a chance to explain their projects and skills.

    I had one senior engineer remark that he had seen me more in two months than he had seen his previous boss in two years.

    People respond better when they know someone cares and is willing to listen to what they have to say.

     

    I always found the exercise beneficial to all concerned.

    I could get things done because people were willing to do extra for me.

     

    Just a thought,

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    If you think they would listen

    Unfortunately that seems to be the issue, and has been identified in the last few staff surveys.

    The other practice I encouraged was management by walking around

    A very good practice that should be in management101 (assuming they take it).

     

    Sadly its the finding out from the ground floor, and listening to the front line that seems to be missing these days.

    They appear to more interested in facts and figures on a spreadsheet, and listening to some HR people, than engaging with their best resource ... the staff.

     

    mark

  • in reply to mcb1

    Yea.  I have found that they will spend lots of money for a consultant to tell them what just about any of the workers could have told them had they asked.

     

    Some minds are just closed.  Some managers are legends in their own minds and anyone lower than you on the organization chart clearly has no information of value.

     

    I have seen them all and watched them fail.

     

    I am happy to say that I was not one of them and regardless of all the office politics, I was the one who always succeeded.

     

    DAB

  • in reply to DAB

    This was something we ran across in our travels in NZ


    Rules for teachers 1915

    1. You may not marry during the term of your contract.
    2. You are not to keep company with men.
    3. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless attending a school function.
    4. You may not loiter downtown in ice-cream stores.
    5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have permission of the Chairman of the Board.
    6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man unless he is your father or brother.
    7. You may not smoke cigarettes.
    8. You may not dress in bright colours.
    9. You may not under no circumstances dye your hair.
    10. You must wear at least two petticoats.
    11. Your dress must not be shorter than two inches above the ankle.
    12. To keep the school room neat and clean you must
    • sweep the floor at least once daily
    • scrub the floor at least once weekly with hot soapy water
    • clean the blackboards at least once a day
    • start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm by 8 a.m.



    Mark