Malcom Gladwell, the brilliant journalist and author, describes an in-depth study in his book Outliers, which yielded the following finding:
The difference in the level of success attained by those with IQs between 125 and 185 is minimal.
In other words, to achieve a certain level of success, you have to be smart, but only smart enough. Beyond a defined threshold, IQ has no further impact on the level of success you achieve. Instead, it is determined by a much broader combination of skills and personal attributes.
To date, little has been written to offer advice to young engineers and technologists to help them achieve their full potential. This book will be helpful to all those who strive to make the right decisions early in their careers and are motivated to be the technical leaders of our next generation. It will also appeal to mid-level technical managers who seek to move up the corporate ladder but aren’t sure how to develop the skills required to differentiate themselves from everyone else.
Through the years, I established a management style that is consistent with who I am as a person. I made my fair share of bad decisions together with many that I am proud of. Thirty-seven years go by quickly when viewing them through the rear-view mirror, but it is plenty of time to learn many valuable lessons. I worked hard to learn from my mistakes and was always determined not to make the same one twice. I share my learnings throughout this book, distilling them down to a top-10 list of required capabilities. Many are acquired skills and require regular focus and constant self-reflection. They are as listed next, and I explore each one in detail in the following chapters.
1. Establish a solid technical base of skills, and never stop learning.
2. Learn to present well and to communicate effectively.
3. Be outgoing and ensure everyone feels valued and included.
4. If you commit to doing something, do it.
5. Be a good team player and respond to colleagues as promptly as possible.
6. Do not listen with the intent to respond but with the intent to understand.
7. Build a reputation for telling the truth, even when it is difficult.
8. Every now and then, take a chance on something new.
9. Be respectful, tough when necessary, but always maintain your composure.
10. Focus on being kind, and go out of your way to help others succeed.
Most are not overly difficult to master, but they do require a level of awareness and focus. I share them through personal stories; real encounters that I experienced throughout my leadership journey, which helped me understand why they are so important. I am confident that if you commit to acquiring these capabilities, they will enable you to reach your maximum potential.