The Characteristics of a Poor Engineer and How to Avoid Them

Have you ever encountered engineers working in your company who you think are poor engineers? What qualities or characteristics do you believe make up a poor engineer? In a broader and more realistic sense, there are no poor engineers. The only true exceptions are those who lack the necessary language or communication skills and are simply not interested in working. However, in a large company, almost anyone can find his place, leading to surprising results!

A List of Characteristics That Make a Bad Engineer

Here is my list of characteristics that make a bad engineer:

1. Unable or Unwilling to Think Through Problems

Engineers are problem solvers by nature. However, some engineers become completely ineffective as soon as things don't go perfectly, which is rare but can happen. It highlights the importance of problem-solving skills and adaptability.

2. Engineers Who Think They Know Everything

Engineers who think they know everything often come across as arrogant. This attitude can create a negative work environment and impact collaboration. Self-assurance is crucial, but humility is equally important in the pursuit of knowledge and continuous improvement.

3. Refusal to Communicate

In most projects, engineers do not work in isolation. Effective communication is essential for sharing information, getting feedback, and collaborating with team members. Refusing to communicate can hinder progress and lead to misunderstandings.

A Holistic View of Effective Engineering

When selecting engineers, the list of non-technical characteristics is often 2/3 of the total criteria. An average intelligence engineer who can work well with others and is open to learning new things is usually more valuable than a super-smart person who is a jerk. It's also important to consider the engineer's willingness to evolve with new tools and techniques over time.

Content to Work on the Same Project for Years

It's frustrating when engineers work on the same outdated tools and techniques for years without any desire to learn new things or advance the project. Evolving the project and the larger system architecture is crucial for maintaining its relevance and efficiency.

Poor Engineers and Their Impact

Poor engineers or poor workers of any kind are those who do not care about their product and consistently prefer avoiding their job responsibilities. Graduating from engineering school does not guarantee the ability to do a good job unless the engineer cares about the quality of their work. A lack of care typically manifests as sloppy, poor-quality work, and shows a disregard for input and deadlines.

Identifying and addressing the signs of a poor engineer is crucial for maintaining a productive and successful engineering team. By focusing on collaboration, continuous learning, and genuine care for the product, you can ensure that your team is delivering high-quality work that meets the needs of your stakeholders.