The ACEC/MA Leadership Education Committee (aka LEC, formerly the Emerging Leaders Program Committee) develops, plans, and executes programs that focus on leadership development. Currently, there are three programs sponsored by the LEC.
The Emerging Leaders Program, created in 2000, offers six sessions on topics of significant value to engineers on a leadership track. Topics include: People Management, Strategic Planning, Government Affairs, Risk Management, Marketing and Finances. The intent of each session is to expose the ‘tip of the iceberg’ on these topics as a means to raise individual awareness while providing an introductory level of instruction. Each year participants and instructors provide valuable input on the course, helping ACEC/MA’s Leadership Education Committee to make adjustments in program content to meet the needs of future emerging leaders classes.
The Leadership Education Committee launched its second leadership program, Everest, in the fall of 2008. This program was the vision of several senior ACEC/MA directors who sought a forum that allowed leaders to discuss issues facing our Massachusetts engineering companies. Everest Senior Leadership Roundtable Dinners are usually held twice a year in the Boston area.
In 2009, the Committee launched the Odyssey Leadership program. This program is designed to fill the gap between the Emerging Leaders Program and the ACEC National Senior Executive Institute (SEI) Program. Odyssey consists of a comprehensive nine session program designed to change the way managers motivate, inspire, lead and grow their staff. The skills participants learn can be readily applied to their employees to inspire more motivated, productive and loyal professionals. When the practices learned are applied externally to clients these skills can build trust and confidence while creating a competitive edge in the market.
The Genesis Program is catered towards newer professionals with approximately 3-5 years of work experience to develop expertise in more than just technical skills.
Basic business fundamentals are presented with a direct application to the AEC industry. The sessions focus on marketing and business development, the business side of engineering, and effective communication skills.
Three 3-hour sessions offered to separate groups of students in Fall and then again in late winter • Class size: 30
Seven weekly evening sessions beginning in late February/March • Class size: 25
The Emerging Leaders Program offers seven sessions on topics of significant value to engineers on a leadership track. Topics include: Leadership in a Professional Service Firm, Strategic Planning, Government Affairs, Risk Management, Marketing and Finances. A final capstone session provides an opportunity for participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a group problem-solving session. Additionally, they have the chance to learn from a roundtable of industry leaders. The intent of each session is to expose the “tip of the iceberg” on these topics as a means to raise individual awareness while providing an introductory level of instruction.
Program Highlights:
Carefully crafted curriculum that addresses specific needs for Individuals committed to developing their leadership abilities. Highly interactive four-hour sessions taught by experts in their fields. Limited class size that facilitates networking and a quality learning experience.
Session topics:
Leadership in a Professional Services Firm
Your Role in Government Affairs
Strategic Planning
Marketing Your Firm
Contracts and Risk Management
Economics of Practice
From Management to Leadership: Secrets of Success
Eight monthly full day sessions beginning in September • One Individual Session in November • Class size: 20 •
The Odyssey Leadership Program is designed to fill the gap between the Emerging Leaders Program and the ACEC National Senior Executive Institute (SEI) Program. Odyssey consists of a comprehensive nine- session program designed to change the way managers motivate, inspire, lead, and grow their staff. The skills participants learn can be readily applied in managing their employees to inspire more motivated, productive, and loyal professionals. When the practices learned are applied externally to clients, these skills can build trust and confidence while creating a competitive edge in the market.
One evening session offered each Spring and Fall in Boston • Class size: 20
The Everest Program was the vision of several senior ACEC/MA directors who sought a forum that allowed leaders to discuss industry issues facing our Massachusetts engineering companies. Everest Senior Leadership Roundtable Dinners are usually held twice a year in the Boston area.
One morning session offered each Spring and Fall • Class size: 25
Presenting technical ideas to varying audiences creates a challenge to professionals at all experience levels. The Effective Writing course presents twelve aspects of writing specifically designed for improving the skills of the technical professional. When Words Matter is an interactive series of sessions focused on case studies, group exercises, and valuable lessons learned. This course includes professional writing specific to the documents developed by engineers, scientists, and planners.
The Leadership Education Committee is led by two Co-Chairs, who are responsible for organizing the committee’s activities. Activities include developing programs, assisting in program marketing, ensuring the programs are executed, including hosting the programs, and reviewing course evaluation results and making program changes to provide continuous improvement. Committee members are volunteers from ACEC/MA member firms. A representative from The Engineering Center Education Trust staff is also a committee member. Additional participants from member firms are welcome.
The committee usually meets monthly by Zoom. Check the calendar at www.acecma.org for the next LEC meeting. If you are interested in joining this committee, click here
Linowes Executive Development Institute
99 Pond Ave, Suite 322
Brookline, MA 02445
W: 617/803-8936
McFarland Johnson
125 Nagog Park, Suite 220
Acton, MA 01720
W: 98/692-0522
Massachusetts Division Manager
Alfred Benesch & Company
24 Federal St, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110