create an obstacle to some. Consider these statistics: Of all earned bachelor’s


degrees, only 4.43% are in en- gineering (Science & Engineer- ing Indicators 2010, National Science Foundation for 2007, the latest data reported). Of these, 1.5% of all engineering degrees are materials-related. The Bureau of Labor Statis-


tics reports materials engineers in metalcasting facilities will decline from 2008 to 2018 to roughly 700 individuals. Even with 10% national unemploy-


ment, in some areas metalcasters remain challenged to fi nd a stable hourly workforce. Who will lead the next generation in


casting plants? Who will engineer the next generation of designs? To whom will the current workers pass their ac- cumulated knowledge? What leader will emerge in your company who will creatively partner with a local university or high school to funnel talent into your organization? What leader will so engage himself in the community that he attracts talent to his side?


Making Sacrifi ces The metalcasting industry must guide


its individual metalcasting facilities and itself toward health and competitive- ness, conquering the crises that face it. Leaders with skill, a stable moral compass and a clear vision of the future are required to meet this goal. This generation of leaders must not shirk its duty or allow forces seemingly out of its control to dim its hope or diminish its passion for excellence in action. Every individual in the industry must take concrete actions to address these crises. But only good leadership will suffi ce.


The good leader stands, takes heart, pushes the diffi cult buttons and engages the engine of change, even if it must be hand cranked to get started.


Spirited leadership must be combined with skill. The skills required are il- lustrated by the sacrifi ces required of good leaders; good leadership comes only with sacrifi ce: Sacrifi ce of Pride. Leaders serve and


put the collective needs of their orga- nization ahead of their own; humility attracts lasting followers who have the courage to lead in their turn and hori- zon of responsibility. This is a lesson that many smaller metalcasting facilities know well; every offi ce and every shoe has a bit of sand in it. Sacrifice of Effort. It is far less


stressful to let events take their course, allow others to carry the water, and permit the consequences of inaction and missed opportunity to be blamed on circumstances. But the good leader stands, takes heart, pushes the diffi cult buttons and en- gages the engine of change, even if it must be hand cranked to get started. Do you need to hire that young


engineer and stick your neck out, mak- ing sure he or she gets supported well enough to learn the ropes and make use of his education? Do you need to send your foreman to training (and cover for him or her while he or she is gone yourself)? Do you need to reach out to another metalcasting company and admit you don’t know everything? Pushing against the resistance to change


requires effort only the strong and com- mitted can put forth. Sacrifi ce of Learning. The leader


must constantly be adding to what he or she knows and be exposed to new ideas, even those critical to his or her viewpoint. The leader must know his or her own business well and that of the market, customers and all those infl uences that threaten the leader’s vision of the future. This learning with deliberate focus


(not merely dallying on the web or keeping up on industry gossip) takes a rare sense of discipline and the watch- fulness of an army sentry on duty. Sacrifi ce of Being Wrong. Standing up


and taking a stand is not a game for the thin-skinned. Inevitably, everyone makes mistakes. The larger the stakes, the greater the wins and the losses will be. Metalcasting leaders must not fear mistakes—unless it is the mistake of in- action, retreat and missed opportunity. Leaders must own their mistakes, learn from them, understand the lesson in the error and value such an expensive laboratory education. This goes for those that report to leaders equally. Not only those at the highest levels are permitted the luxury of error. Sacrifi ce of Balance. The good leader


Metalcasting leaders must not fear mistakes—unless it is the mistake of inaction, retreat and missed opportunity.


manages his or herself and available resources. He or she knows when to say no, when to quit at the end of a day, and how to juggle lighthearted moments with weighty matters. Good leaders put people fi rst and follow their own advice. Many in the industry today see leadership and management, especially in regard to people, as the vital issue facing the future of metalcasting. The industry must change to survive, and improvement in critical areas can only result from good leadership. In turbu- lent seas, the ship depends on its cap- tain. Is this not the time when captains are sought? Will we respond and come to the wheelhouse and stand fi rm? MC


MODERN CASTING / October 2010 37


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