What type of leadership is expected from sustainable engineers?

Sustainable engineers are expected to exhibit collaborative and adaptive leadership qualities due to the complex and interconnected nature of sustainability challenges. This type of leadership is crucial because sustainable engineering involves not just technical solutions, but also a deep understanding of social, environmental, and economic systems. Collaborative leadership encourages team members, stakeholders, and the community to work together towards common sustainability goals. It fosters open communication, inclusivity, and engagement with diverse perspectives, which is essential for addressing multifaceted issues like climate change and resource management.

Adaptive leadership is equally important, as it enables engineers to be flexible and responsive to changing circumstances and emerging challenges in sustainability. This approach requires a willingness to learn, experiment, and innovate as new technologies and societal expectations evolve.

In contrast, authoritative and directive leadership tends to inhibit creativity and teamwork, while hands-off and distant leadership may neglect the essential collaborative efforts needed in sustainability initiatives. Traditional and hierarchical structures can also limit the adaptability needed for responsive solutions in a rapidly changing environment. Overall, collaborative and adaptive leadership aligns best with the principles of sustainable engineering.