Professional Excellence Beyond Technical Competence [Paperback]

The training path for engineers focuses intensely on scientific and technical knowledge. Yet, our professional and personal satisfaction and success also depend on other traits that make us more effective and productive. In this thought-provoking book, Alan Rossiter provides practical guidance in developing the skills to become more effective in your work, while also balancing your life. It is invaluable reading for graduating college students and young professionals as well as seasoned practitioners who find that work is becoming all-consuming.

FOREWORD ix

PREFACE xi

PROLOGUE: POSING A QUESTION xiii

I THE WORLD OF WORK 1

Chapter 1 Motivated to Work 3

Chapter 2 Life and Work 13

Chapter 3 Ethics at Work 19

II ELEMENTS OF PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE 27

Chapter 4 Communicating Effectively 29

Chapter 5 Fulfilling Commitments 43

Chapter 6 Recognizing and Expanding Your Professional Limits 57

Chapter 7 Investing in Your Profession and in Your Community 63

Chapter 8 Affirming Your Coworkers 71

Chapter 9 Celebrating Your Work 77

Chapter 10 Protecting Your Personal Life 81

EPILOGUE: NOTHING LASTS FOREVER 95

APPENDIX: TEXT OF THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH 101

REFERENCES 103

INDEX 107

Alan Rossiter, PHD, is President of Rossiter & Associates, an industrial process improvement consulting company working primarily in the field of energy efficiency. In addition to consulting projects for companies such as ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and BP, he provides training courses in pinch analysis and energy management. He also runs a separate series of courses in communication skills, engineeringl“I