Engenerate recently hosted the New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key at our MWH Global, Christchurch offices where he met with young engineers to talk about leadership. Many of these engineers have been working on the Christchurch rebuild.
Mr Key said really strong leaders have great teams. He emphasised the importance of the team knowing the leader’s expectations and how the leader is likely to react to issues. He also said success in leadership is to do with attitude. Mr Key disclosed that he set his sights on becoming Prime Minister when he was only 11 – a vision he never lost.
“If you think you can succeed and if you’re prepared to do it, more often than not you’ll get there.” he said. “The best advice I can give someone going into leadership for the first time is to be yourself. In the end people will back you or they won’t. Don’t be afraid of it.”
Fritha Bevin-McCrimmon, Regional Chair for Engenerate Canterbury, said the event had been a fantastic opportunity to hear the Prime Minister to share his stories. “What better person to talk to young engineers about leadership than the leader of the country,” she said.
Picture: Rt Hon John Key addressing the engineers in attendance
Picture: A selection of MWH Global employees invited that were in attendance.
About Engenerate:
Engenerate is a nationwide IPENZ initiative celebrating and assisting Members who have had less than 8 years’ work experience.
About MWH Global:
MWH engineers, consultants and construction professionals help solve complex infrastructure and environmental challenges in water, natural resources and transportation. Globally, MWH employs approximately 7,000 experts who are Building a Better World.
