When a diverse team forms to solve a problem, they’re more likely to discover the best solution. This applies to all groups, from project teams through to the executive level.
Boards are sure to benefit from appointing more members with science, technology, engineering and maths knowledge. People from STEM backgrounds ask the right questions, guide strategy and make decisions for optimum safety and economic efficiency.
A classic board setup has a Chair or President, their second-in-charge, and directors discussing and deciding on how something is developed or managed. This traditional make up likely features businesspeople or those with a financial background, usually with a long career behind them, or even retired.
But this traditional board make up is missing an increasingly important element—diversity.
Different thinkers for better solutions
There’s a well-known need for diversity on boards in terms of age, gender, culture and background. But there’s also a need for different perspectives and technical abilities.
With only around 3 per cent of directors in Australia coming from a STEM background, there’s a lack of technical and analytical expertise amongst boards. This leaves a gap in thinking and in risk management, which can affect how a company, and its products and services, are built and run both efficiently and safely.
An engineer brings this essential diversity and valuable knowledge to a board. They’re solutions-based and logical. But as reported in the US Houston Chronicle in 2018, they’re also highly co-operative—all of which are ideal characteristics for the boardroom.
Stacey Daniel, environmental geotechnical engineer and founder of Board Presence, says engineers should take the opportunity to join a board, no matter where they are at in their career.
"There’s a perception that people need a long business career or be retired to be on a board, but that’s not the case," she says.
"You can be in a leadership role, at the board level, at any point in your career. An engineer can assist with analysis and critical thinking around decision making, and the processing of information, data and evidence that goes into a decision."
"Lawyers make sure we comply with obligations and stay out of jail. Engineers help us stay safe and make our lives easier and more convenient."
Solving future problems today
When an engineer is on a board, their unique way of thinking can solve problems the board hasn’t even considered. This extends to the pressing problems that our society faces.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently reported that the climate is warming quicker than we thought, and Australia is one of the most vulnerable developed countries. Daniel says engineers are important contributors to solving the problems of the future in the infrastructure of today.
"Engineers can come up with the solutions to combat climate change and develop the right infrastructure so we can have a lifestyle we’re used to while preserving and maintaining the natural and built environments, for social needs and within the economic landscape."
As an environmental engineer with experience across civil and geotechnical environmental engineering, Stacey was an excellent fit for a board managing an alpine resort. Without her on the team they might not have thought about the impacts of climate change on buildings.
"I asked the questions about slope stability and the condition of the various assets that were there. I brought up the impacts of the changing climate on new developments and proposals, and future funding requirements around maintenance.
"We talked about how you would plan and move people around and make use of different spaces."
Daniel was the only one with the technical knowledge of the subsurface conditions, rocks, stormwater and ageing infrastructure issues with buildings, and who could stretch the minds of the others around the table.
"On a hospital board, an engineer scrutinises asset management, digital infrastructure, process and procedures," Daniel adds. "They question the technical and physical environment and how much it’s going to cost in the future.
"We spark these questions for the business managers to consider."
Find the right position on a board, and get it
It’s these specific skills that give engineers an edge when applying for boards, but it’s important for them to know how they fit in, and where.
Daniel says to not waste time with the wrong offers.
"Understand your value proposition and leverage. Find out your suite of skills, what organisations best suit you and would benefit from what you have to offer. Know what questions to ask and how your skills fit into a board’s mixture of skills.
"Even knowing what they need at different times can vary. A board in its early stages has different needs different things from to an established board."
Support for engineers applying for board positions
Stacey Daniel is partnering with Engineering Education Australia to deliver a new workshop on applying for board positions so others can benefit from her in-depth, rare knowledge combining executive board experience with being an accomplished engineer.
The workshop will enable you to understand your unique value proposition, identify and pursue the right board opportunities for you. The first session starts in October. Find out more about the Engineers on Boards workshop.