From Technocrat to Leader: a leadership book for technical professionals
For some leaders in the resources industry, the transition to leadership was one that came about naturally, rather than something they sought out. Often, their promotion to management and executive teams came about because they showed expertise and skill in their technical discipline, and were identified as someone who could pass their knowledge on to others.
But being a skilled technical professional and a skilled leader are two different things: something Don Gordon FAusIMM understands well. Gordon is the author of the business leadership book From Technocrat to Leader, which distils the lessons he has learned on his way from being a mining engineering graduate to holding numerous leadership and senior management roles.
Gordon’s experience has seen him live, work and lead in five countries. He is a Fellow of both the AusIMM and the Australian Institute of Management WA. He earned his Master of Engineering degree from the University of Melbourne in 1993.
From Technocrat to Leader is aimed at emerging leaders, but is also suitable for established leaders looking to recalibrate their leadership and take on fresh ideas to get the most out of themselves and their teams.
With an audience of resources professionals in mind, there is discussion of the particular challenges that technically educated people face in becoming leaders, and how to overcome these challenges. Gordon deliberately wrote the book in an accessible style and avoided business jargon.
Gordon says the book focuses around two central themes of leadership: trust and care. ‘If you are to succeed as a leader, your people need to trust you; this trust frees them to accept the care that you as their leader want and need to provide.’
‘The book covers in depth how to build trust, and how to rebuild it if lost. It details behaviours and attitudes that can destroy trust. It lists many ways to show care for people and the benefits a leader will derive from showing care.’
The book contains many stories of the lessons, some difficult and painful, that Gordon had to learn along the way. It also details the deeply rewarding experiences he has had as a leader. Gordon says his practical experiences have been central to shaping the book.
‘I have tried to set out my guidance in a detailed and practical manner. It comes from a person who has test-driven the techniques personally and knows they work.’
From Technocrat to Leader (2019) is published by Sid Harta and can be purchased in print and electronic formats here.