How do I legitimise myself as a manager in the engineering profession, to whom and with what?
It is not only technical expertise and specialist knowledge, but also names, titles, degrees, formal or colloquial language, slang, dialect and certain abbreviations that indicate that one belongs to the ‘initiated’. But also the ‘right’ manners, the “appropriate” humour, the ‘appropriate’ uniform or clothing, certain hairstyles and tattoos (or lack thereof). The introduction by the right eulogists, who are highly regarded by the target audience; and the appearance and confidence in many different settings, i.e. what can be described as versatility. But the use and (further) spinning of winning legends can also be exploited.
We must also ask ourselves: How and with what do I legitimise new ideas? And we want to take a look at the dark side: How do you discredit yourself and your own ideas, and what can you do about it?
Dr. Justinus Pieper is a historian, coach and university lecturer. He researches, teaches and trains timeless strategies and tactics based on ethical principles. He recently published the handbook article “Leadership in the Classical World. A Perspective on Authenticity” in the Emerald Handbook of Authentic Leadership.
Date: 7 October 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: VDI, Bismarckstraße 33, 10625 Berlin, main hall.
Registration
(Source: vdi.de)