SHPE - Winter 2008 - (Page 42) CONFERENCE 2007 PDS Sharpens the Professional Edge The professional workshops and events contained within the vast offerings at the SHPE Conference are tangible proof of the Society’s unique perspective on business and government as seen through the eyes of today’s Hispanic engineer. Specifically, two days of high value events were aimed at deepening understanding of interdisciplinary skills such as effective communication, project management and executive leadership. Conference organizers also encouraged professionals to participate in general conference events such as the career fair, banquet and regional meetings as well as professional networking opportunities offered at a welcome reception sponsored by Exelon and a hospitality suite sponsored by Caterpillar. Several special sessions included an executive roundtable luncheon and an executive panel that afforded participants the perspectives of high level executives representing diverse industries including petrochemicals, defense, automotive and information technology. The Professional Development Strategy (PDS) Series offered pre-registered professional members two seminars led by Greg Stephens (Choice Consulting), “Crucial Conversations Skill 4” and “Dynamic Communications.” Workshop participants shared their on-the-job experiences and were coached by Stephens to improve their effectiveness within organizations. He outlined specific barriers people face when engaging in crucial conversations and focused on acquiring greater skill needed to produce positive results. Manuel Hernández, SHPE vice president and professional development champion, considers PDS a feeder program for the SHPE programs tentatively scheduled for 2008, Management Growth Training and the Executive LeaderSHPE Institute. Both provide intensive life and career coaching with subject experts. Other workshops offered a mix of interpersonal skill improvement, career strategies and management tools. “Project Management for Results,” by Kevin Koym (Enterprise Teaming LLC), demonstrated how to enhance project management skills. “The Ripple Effect,” by Steve Harper, provided a shift in perspective that leads to greater connections, better business and stronger community. “The Executive Edge,” by Dan Morman (Praxis Innovation), focused on strategies to advance one’s career. Mario E. Lopez (Lockheed Martin) particularly liked “Executive Edge” because it emphasized the importance of planning. “It makes me accountable,” he commented. These conference programs are part of a larger initiative to transform SHPE into an organization with a growing number of professional members who advance through the executive ranks with the support of SHPE mentors, professional development programs and leadership training. I Yolanda Smith Kenney (Intel) and Jose Diaz (Hensel Phelps) use the ‘contrasting’ method to clear up communication. Vicente Armendariz (SHPE-Houston) and Stephanie Padilla (Intel) find out what happens when a mutual purpose is not shared in a ‘push/resist’ exercise. Participants of SHPE’s Professional Development Strategy Series 42 SHPE R Winter 2008
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