AECT 044: How to be an Excellent Responsible-in-Charge (RIC) in AEC
In this episode, I talk with Bart Kemper, P.E., CPEng, RPEQ, principal engineer at Kemper Engineering Services, LLC, about the crucial role of a Responsible-in-Charge (RIC) in AEC projects, focusing on decision-making, accountability, effective delegation, team trust, and its impact on project success. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Bart: Is returning to basic engineering principles key to solving problems across different fields when overseeing multiple disciplines? Could you explain the concept of "Responsible-in-Charge" in engineering and why it's crucial? How does the "belly button to push" concept relate to decision-making and accountability in engineering projects? Could you provide more information about signing the Blameline and its impact on project outcomes? What's your approach to delegating tasks in engineering and which strategies balance control and trust effectively? How do you build trust among team members to encourage embracing failure, and why is it beneficial? How do engineering principles apply to different professions and why are they beneficial? What advice do you have for engineers to succeed in today's complex environment? Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to be an Excellent Responsible-in-Charge: Returning to basic engineering principles is key to solving problems across different fields when overseeing multiple disciplines, as it provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions and coordinating with specialists. The "Responsible-in-Charge" in engineering is the person who oversees the project, ensuring everything is done safely and correctly. This role is crucial for accountability and effective coordination. The "belly button to push" concept in engineering projects means having one person responsible for a specific area, ensuring clear decision-making and accountability. This person is the go-to for resolving issues, streamlining communication, and maintaining project oversight. Signing the "Blameline" in engineering means taking full responsibility for project outcomes, driving careful decision-making, and impacting project success and quality. In engineering, task delegation involves assigning responsibilities to individuals who demonstrate passion and technical ability, irrespective of their seniority. This approach balances control and trust by empowering team members early on and supporting them through structured reviews, cultivating a culture of learning and growth. Building trust among team members involves leading by example, openly discussing mistakes, and supporting each other through challenges. This creates a culture where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow, motivating team members to take risks and improve their skills. Engineering principles are relevant across professions like medicine, law, and military service, where accountability for critical tasks is essential. Embracing these principles promotes safer and more effective outcomes in diverse fields. Returning to basic physics principles learned in high school can often provide solutions to engineering problems, helping engineers approach challenges with clarity and avoid bias, ultimately leading to more accurate solutions. More Details in This Episode… About the Guest: Bart Kemper, P.E., CPEng, RPEQ Bart Kemper, P.E., is a Louisiana-based engineer with over 30 years of international engineering in a wide range of industries. He primarily works with equipment and equipment systems using his mechanical engineering degree from Louisiana State University as well as working in civil engineering through his training and educat...
