Be Wary Of The Echo Chamber

Engineering Management Institute Be Wary of the Echo Chamber the Florida Engineering Society. The keynote speaker was retired astronaut Story Musgrave. Story is a powerful speaker, and I tremendously loved the numerous tales of his unparalleled career. One particular story that he shared struck a chord. Story was the astronaut who labored on the Hubble Telescope throughout Servicing Mission 1 to suit the corrective lens. He shared that, in his preparations, he consulted with the world-famend figure skater, Dorothy Hamill. Many questioned why an astronaut would consult with a determine skater regarding the repairs to the telescope. As Story explained, he was “in a dance” with Hubble. Orbiting and rotating across the earth at 17,000 miles an hour, he questioned about the physical problem that may be required to restore the telescope. As he noted, he wanted to know what muscles would be used and tips on how to develop them in order that he can be bodily ready â€" in addition to being technically prepared â€" to execute the repairs. So, he sou ght out a determine skater to assist him identify the muscle teams that might be tasked and the way to train them. I appreciated Story sharing his account and have shared it many times since. In engineering faculties, we're taught to unravel issues and to make decisions primarily based upon an analytical and/or systematic method. As we progress in our careers, we frequently stick to tried and true methods. Staying with what we know and what works. What we don’t do very properly at instances is reaching out to learn from others, particularly those who don’t have any background in engineering or in our area of apply. We usually rely on those that think like us. Those who're skilled like us. Have the identical expertise as us. But as Story shared, a lot could be learned when totally different perspectives are sought out. Be wary of the echo chamber . Determining the most effective engineering resolution can typically be difficult. The best engineering solution is probably not the m ost effective monetary resolution, one of the best political answer, or the best answer to satisfy the shopper’s needs, especially if the issue just isn't completely framed. It is essential to pay attention and be taught from others and to know their perspectives, regardless of whether or not or not we agree with them. Confidence comes with the knowledge that you simply did your homework, that you simply sought out completely different perspectives and viewpoints, that you just anticipated possible outcomes and situations, and that you went past the echo chamber. Tim Austin, PE is a licensed Professional Engineer. His various work experience has provided him with a singular perspective of the engineering and development industries, serving numerous private and non-private purchasers on a variety of projects. He is understood for his advocacy and inventive approach to fixing regulatory challenges. Mr. Austin has been and continues to be lively in a number of skilled and community o rganizations, believing that community engagement and involvement to be knowledgeable duty. These organizations embody, amongst others, the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Engineer’s Foundation of Kansas, the American Arbitration Association. the American Public Works Association and the Wichita Area Builders Association. Mr. Austin has previously served on the Wichita Airport Advisory Board, the Wichita Design Council, the advisory board to the Real Estate Department at Wichita State University, on the governmental affairs committee for the Wichita Area Association of Realtors, and various committees for Aldersgate United Methodist Church. We would love to listen to any questions you may need or stories you may share about how you avoid the echo chamber in your day-to-day work and life. Please depart your feedback, suggestions or questions in the part below. To your success, Anthony Fasano, PE, LEED AP Engineering Management Institute Author ofEngineer Your Own Success Filed Under: Blog, Career Goals and Challenges Tagged With: best financial answer, Confidence, Echo Chamber, Engineering, engineering faculties, engineering solution, figure skater, data, listen and study from others, Listen to learn, views, political answer, progress in our careers, Solve Problems, Story Musgrave