Development of engineering managers: An alternative approach

A persistent problem existing in many technical organizations is the effective development of engineering managers. The authors discuss the problem, typical approaches currently used in attempts to resolve it, and then offer an alternative approach. The suggested strategy entails standard, formal training methods coupled with provision of informal opportunities within the organization. While formal training provides the essential building blocks of managerial knowledge, it is suggested that informal opportunities allow the potential manager to put this knowledge to trial use in a variety of situations. The benefit for the engineer is a better understanding of the material learned and how it may be practically applied. The benefit for the organization is the realization and utilization of potentially untapped human resources.