The best attitude of engineering leaders when conflicts arise
Every engineer should consult the Thai coach on handling disasters in leadership.
Photo: What Engineering Leaders Can Learn from a Football Coach Trapped in a Thai Cave
Coach “Ek” did not show the world how the soccer team could win a game but rather he showed how his boys could win over death. The courage and strength the team has is undeniably a result of his commitment to his fatherhood to the young players. His leadership qualities are a kind of must-have for engineers.
Engineering leaders aren’t perfect and in times of trials, their ability to make decisions are tested. Meanwhile, here are some of the techniques they can adapt to be able to think straight in times of crisis—right from the Thai cave incident.
Keep calm under pressure
When facing a difficult situation, engineers, sometimes, lose their temper. They get tensed and annoyed thus making the scenario even more difficult. But how can you really stay calm if you are facing the circumstance the Thai coach had to get through? Will you have a moment to calm down? For Coach “Ek,” making this move can save lives.
Photo: What Engineering Leaders Can Learn from a Football Coach Trapped in a Thai Cave
Serving as a custodian in a monk monastery, Coach Ek has acquired expertise in Buddhist training and meditation practice. He taught the boys to meditate so they could pass the time without stress. When they were found, the rescue divers describe the team to be in good spirits.
It is very easy for a leader to be irritated when a crisis arises but what the coach displayed during those trying times is a good example for everyone who wishes to manage and lead the company excellently despite unwanted conditions.
Own your mistakes
The coach knows that he is accountable for what happened to them. Despite their tough condition, he managed to reach out to the parents and their supporters to apologize and say his regards for praying and doing their best for them. Through a note given to the divers, he reassured the parents of the children that he will take good care of them no matter what.
Photo: What Engineering Leaders Can Learn from a Football Coach Trapped in a Thai Cave
In that case, he showed the good attitude of a leader. When conflicts arise, a leader does not blame. He looks at the possible causes of the dilemma and never excludes himself from the picture. He takes on full responsibility when he committed a mistake and do his best to turn it around.
See it through the end
Coach Ek was the last who has been taken out of the Thailand cave. He didn’t leave the boys and made sure he was there until the 12th boy has exited. According to one of the divers, the coach even offered his own ration to the boys. Because he has shown such bravery and spirit for the team, the young players, in turn, trusted him and cooperated with him which made them alive.
Photo: What Engineering Leaders Can Learn from a Football Coach Trapped in a Thai Cave
When an engineer showed to his subordinates that he or she is willing to sacrifice his or her interest for them, trust develops. People will take the initiative to cooperate to make sure that no one will be solely put in trouble because his or her leader themselves show concern and willingness to do whatever it takes to get through the problem.
Click here to read more leadership articles.
Follow our Linkedin page for more inspiring inspiring stories
