When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going

Walker, Leland J.; ,

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going

by Leland J. Walker, (F.ASCE), Pres. ASCE, Chmn. of the Board; Northern Testing Labs., Great Falls, Mont.,

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1976, Vol. 46, Issue 11, Pg. 65-66

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

In his inaugural address, ASCE's president describes his innovative approach to optimizing ASCE performance. He is (1) Challenging staff members and committees to improved performance; and (2) helping them see their opportunities and reminding them of responsibilities. Public opinion polls disclose declining respect for professionals and other leaders. Evidences of this, or of belief that respect is declining include: increasing third-party litigation; increase in number and size of malpractice suits; belief by one state's assistant attorney general that, in enforcing its Code of Ethics, ASCE will so define competence and unfairly and reputable as to restrain trade. To counter this, Walker challenges members: to tell the public of ASCE's devotion to ethical conduct; to get active in serving their communities; to continue civil engineer and ASCE technical leadership; and to bring into ASCE even more civil engineers of high competence.

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