Globalization is a double edged sword; on one hand, it enables a free flow of trade, information and learning, but on the other hand, it brings competition. It pits the smartest people against each other – regardless of national boundaries. In a world-class technologically-based enterprise, we must work on an equal footing with our colleagues around the world – to innovate the best solutions. The minds and hearts of our Engineers must be at par with the very best in the world, or we cannot play at all.

Being a “Great Engineer” is not a birthright. Genetics only play a small role in the development of our capabilities and intelligence. Most of it is through our own efforts. One can say with a great deal of confidence, that the greatest Engineers amongst us are not necessarily the ones with the highest grades, or have been to the best schools. The best ones come from those who have the most energy to commit themselves to the engineering career – to learn, to challenge and to collaborate successfully, for the creation of technical contributions to the enterprise.

Great Engineers are not solely driven by material gains. Energy is applied first and foremost, towards knowing and using that knowledge to solve problems. Material gains will come later, and it will, as a result of that innovation. It is this motivation to excel technically, that drives excellence. This is the first key differentiator between being “Good” and being “Great”.

By way of definition, Engineers are applied scientists. They create knowledge and then find ways to make them work. A famous Engineer once said, “To catch a lightning and put it into my hands.” Great Engineers have great visions and are energized to find ways to realize them. They are great experimenters. The seed of innovation must first be sown in the soil of the experiment. The phrase word “Skunk Works” comes from this - an incubation bed for innovation. Those of us who sit on our desks all day to read books and expound theories will ultimately find ourselves fall short of the mark. This then is the second key differentiator between being “Good” and being “Great”.

It is becoming more and more difficult to be a generalist in an increasingly knowledge intensive environment. There is just not enough time to cramp many life times of knowledge into one. One has to focus on one’s areas of interest – without forgetting that there are other experts in complimentary fields. Great Engineers are specialists in their fields. However, they know how to effectively collaborate with others in similar and different fields in order to enhance the speed of knowledge accumulation and innovation. This ability to maintain humility about oneself and become a contributing member of a team is the third key differentiator of being “Good” and being “Great”.

Characteristics of great engineer are:

• The energy level of the Engineer about his profession.
• To experiment and be willing to get your hands dirty.
• The ability to effectively and humbly collaborate with peers to enhance knowledge.

If you have these qualities, you are well on the way towards greatness.