INSIDER | COLUMN


Some indeed resort to fear and deception to achieve results. I recall a senior colleague saying to me, in connection with how one should handle a difficult negotiation: “Just appear to go along with what they propose, and then shaſt them when the opportunity arises to get what you want.” On a different occasion, similar advice evoking judo tactics was offered by another senior colleague.


Fortunately, at least as far as being honest and keeping one’s word is concerned, I also remember, and have consistently practised, the counsel given many years ago by my Head of Department. His advice was to a doctoral researcher under our joint supervision who had been somewhat casual with his undertakings; it emphasised the need to honour one’s promises and renegotiate an agreement if circumstances changed.


I have given the same advice to many a student since. In fact, recognising that we should instil general ethical behaviour in our students from the first day that they join us, I have introduced material on professional ethics as part of their induction. In making our new students aware of their duty to conduct themselves morally and responsibly because of the privileged and trusted position of engineers in society, I hope that the engineers we produce will grow into ethical leaders. For the well-being of society, I hope they will be much different from the kind advocated in Te Prince.


htp://www.birmingham. ac.uk/schools/mechanical- engineering/index.aspx


Recognising that we should instil general ethical behaviour in our students from the first day that they join us, I have introduced material on professional ethics as part of their induction.


29 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 7 No.6


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