A few months ago SAE International, the organization famous for their University race car design competitions, announced the creation of an Engineering Management Academy. The program, which is slated for early December 2013, will target engineers making the transition into management as well as new managers that would like to improve their managerial skills.

SAE estimates that 28% of management promotions from an internal pool will fail. This probably has something to do with the fact that, on average, a promoted individual goes 6 years before they receive any formal leadership training.

SAE insists that promoting an internal technical expert is a good choice for management, but the new manager will need training to reach their true potential. The manager must learn to delegate while increasing productivity, morale, teamwork, and employee engagement; all without micromanaging or hitting a high turnover.

The five day Engineering Management program will consist of action plans, individual assessments, and one-on-one coaching tailored to the specific skills an individual is lacking. Coaches will also share their more than 90 years of cumulative experience as they cover conflict resolution, team building, coaching, mentoring, communications, and interpersonal skills.

This new program will apply towards SAE’s General Management and Leadership Certificate, covering three of the four certificate requirements, and will cost somewhere from $2300 to $2900. The objectives of the program will include:

· Improving decision making and communication

· Avoiding emotions in tough situations

· Learning the difference between managing, leading, coaching, and mentoring

· Optimizing the output, quality, engagement, and commitment of your team

· Learning constructive and positive feedback

· Initiating continuous learning

SEA's first Engineering Management Academy is set to take place from December 2-6, 2013; and if the successes of SAE’s car design competitions are any indicator of what’s to come, this will not be the last you hear about their Engineering Management Academy.

Source: SAE International