Leading Science and Technology-Based Organizations

Book excerpt: Although there have been thousands of books written on business leadership and management, including many outstanding contributions by CEOs and academics, very few have specifically addressed the unique challenge of leading and managing technical organizations. Leading Science and Technology-Based Organizations will be the first book written that presents a practical framework for leading, managing and coaching throughout one’s technical career by translating fundamental leadership principles into language and examples that S&T professionals can better understand, appreciate and implement. The purpose of the book is to augment scientists' and engineers' considerable technical skills by teaching them how to sell their ideas, manage their technical projects, and lead technical teams; ultimately to create business and societal value from science. FEATURES Organized around an introduction and three parts, to best address management and leadership development in technical organizations and the crucial nontechnical skills needed by managers who come from highly technical backgrounds. Presents an innovative leadership framework in the Introduction—The Performance Trilogy®—that underpins the remainder of the book. Focuses on personal leadership in Part 1, showing how the best managers lead by example, and through the perspective of life-long learning. Explains the transition from individual performer to manager in Part 2, and the vitally important mindset change from "me" to "we". Emphasizes the key executive responsibility of creating economic and societal value from science in Part 3 by managing the nexus of science and business.