"The Credential" features Brandon Pinkerton, PE, project executive at HP Engineering now IMEG. As the CEO and founder of HP Engineering, Inc., with over two decades of electrical design and project management expertise, his extensive experience spans various sectors: education, medical, municipal, hospitality, residential, commercial, industrial, government, entertainment, and retail. 

 

Brandon is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He is passionate about promoting opportunities for Native Americans and actively supports initiatives to foster progress in the AEC field. Brandon’s dedication to using engineering for the advancement of Native communities is a testament to his commitment to diversity and inclusivity.  

 

We are honored to share his visionary leadership voice.

People-first leadership demands balance and recognition that caring for individuals shouldn’t come at the cost of organizational purpose.

I write often about people being the primary driver behind my leadership. I care more about the people than I do the money, even though as a CEO I have had to make difficult decisions at times to keep the business solvent and move the organization forward. A “people first” leadership philosophy sounds like a great idea, but as with any human construct, the leader must be aware of the pitfalls that come with this approach.

If you’ve been in leadership for any amount of time you know that very quickly along the journey problems will start making their way to your feet. You are expected to solve these problems as they relate to the pursuit of the vision. However, inevitably the problems you are asked to solve are not so much organizational as individual. The more individuals you have in an organization, the more opinions you have, and consequently the more needs you will get pressure to resolve. I think this is a pivotal moment for the direction of your leadership as you move forward. It’s easy for your heart to lead you down the path of trying to cater to the needs of the individual. But, if you take on the mindset that you must be the one to provide for every personal need that comes up in an organization, you will find yourself in an unwinnable battle.

I was talking to a new mother recently who was struggling with self-doubt and thoughts of inadequacy. Her new baby wasn’t gaining enough weight, and she felt that it was all her fault. “Why can’t I be everything my child needs?” It’s an understandable reaction, and I immediately began to think about my own experience as a young leader. I really wanted to be this paragon of leadership. Someone for whom nothing was impossible. A leader who would make even the most difficult challenges seemingly trivial. As our organization grew and the requisite problems along with it, I began to doubt my ability. “Why can’t I be everything my organization needs?” The answer of course is simple: The leader can’t be everything to everyone. It was only my pride and ego that led me to believe I could be anything more than a consistent coach and guide.

The leader is a critical role in the organization. It is unique and therefore only a qualified few are fit for the role. However, the leader can’t be everything. While you must continue to improve your organization and listen to your team, you can’t go so far as to believe that you must be the all-sufficient paragon of leadership. Instead, understand that people, their problems, and their opinions will come and go along the journey. The true leader will continue to pursue the vision with the humility that comes from the wisdom of knowing their station well.

 

“We’re not replacing humans, we’re redeploying them into more human work.” 

 

We can help. 

 Contact Details:

LS Credentialing Services LLC

P.O. Box 91

Olathe, KS 66051

Lexi@AECredentialing.com
913-424-5606

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If your license renews on your date of birth this month, or by state requirement when your license origination occurred, or any other jurisdiction imposed requirement, it's time to renew.

 

Contact us to receive a sample custom monthly credentials report containing:

 

1.

All A/E/LA national and international licensure status with renewal dates 

2.
Professional affiliation membership types with renewal dates 

3.
Current multi-discipline continuing education requirements needed 

4.
 Comprehensive recorded history of categorized education credits

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