Mike sanders books
Books
General
The Essential 55
Ron Clark
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00413QB3W/
Learn how to behave in a group setting. Understand proper behavior, eating and while in the classroom. Some things are not applicable for boot camp, as looking at someone in the eye. But this is easy to skim over and understand how your behavior may cause a problem.
How to win friends and influence people
Dale Carnegie
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0912CMYHD/
This is a timeless self-help classic that offers practical advice on building lasting relationships, improving communication skills, and influencing others positively through empathy and genuine connection.
Games People Play: The Psychology Of Human Relationships
Eric Berne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C6E76U/
Explores the hidden psychological dynamics of human interactions, revealing how individuals unconsciously engage in "games" that influence their relationships and behaviors.
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Done
Atul Gawande
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030V0PEW/
This book highlights the power of checklists in managing complexity, ensuring consistency, and achieving success in various fields, from medicine to business.
Meet Maslow: How Understanding the Priorities of Those Around Us Can Lead To Harmony And Improvement
Landon T. Smith
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CWVYT9/
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that outlines a five-tier model of human needs, ranging from basic physiological necessities like food and shelter to higher-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization, with each level building upon the fulfillment of the one below it.
Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence
Amy Jen Su, Muriel Maignan Wilkins
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAH7PQY/
This book provides practical strategies for developing authentic leadership presence, boosting confidence, and effectively communicating to inspire and lead others.
The Engineering Profession
The Existential Pleasures of Engineering
Samuel C. Florman
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CBFXLWQ/
A philosophical exploration of what it means to be an engineer and the impact of engineering on society.
To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design
Henry Petroski
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HM7NP5R/
Discusses the importance of learning from engineering failures and how they lead to better designs.
Engineers of Dreams: Great Bridge Builders and the Spanning of America
Henry Petroski
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0679760210/
Chronicles the stories behind the construction of some of America’s greatest bridges, showcasing real-world engineering challenges.
Stuff You Don’t Learn in Engineering School: Skills for Success in the Real World
Carl Selinger
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C4NOBK/
Offers practical advice on soft skills, communication, and navigating the workplace.
The Design of Everyday Things
Don Norman
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E257T6C/
Explains the principles of good design and how engineers influence user experience and functionality.
Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation
James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0048WQDIO/
Introduces lean principles and process improvement, which are valuable in many engineering environments.
Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed
Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2DIW3C/
A firsthand account of the secret projects and innovations that shaped modern aviation engineering.
Making Things Work: Solving Complex Problems in a Complex World
Yaneer Bar-Yam
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0965632822/
Provides insights into systems thinking and how engineers approach complex problem-solving.
The Art of Systems Architecting
Mark W. Maier and Eberhardt Rechtin
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVV8TJND/
Explores the role of systems architects and how they bridge the gap between design and implementation.
How to Research a Company
https://lifehacker.com/work/how-to-research-a-company-before-you-take-the-job
Applied Minds: How Engineers Think
Guru Madhavan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBSZNSQ/
Examines the thought processes and problem-solving techniques that define how engineers approach challenges.
Design Paradigms: Case Histories of Error and Judgment in Engineering
Henry Petroski
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3URCAO/
A look at historical engineering case studies to illustrate the lessons learned from past successes and failures
What Engineers Know and How They Know It: Analytical Studies from Aeronautical History
Walter G. Vincenti
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0801845882/
Analyses the evolution of engineering knowledge through historical aeronautical advancements.
Engineering and the Mind’s Eye
Eugene S. Ferguson
http://www.amazon.com/dp/026256078X/
Explores how visualization and intuition play an essential role in the engineering design process.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
Ed Catmull
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593070100
Although focused on Pixar, this book offers valuable lessons about fostering creativity in engineering teams.
Movies to Watch
About the Military
The Sand Pebbles
1966 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060934/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A historical war drama set in 1920s China, following Jake Holman, a rebellious U.S. Navy engineer stationed aboard a gunboat navigating political turmoil and personal conflicts. It offers a powerful portrayal of naval life, the complexities of duty, and the moral dilemmas that arise in times of international tension, emphasizing the sacrifices and challenges service members face.
Fail Safe
1964 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058083/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A gripping Cold War thriller that follows a technical malfunction causing a U.S. bomber group to mistakenly receive orders to nuke Moscow, triggering a tense standoff between American and Soviet leaders. As time runs out, the U.S. president faces an unthinkable decision to prevent all-out nuclear war, leading to a chilling and tragic conclusion.
Ernest in the Army
1998 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129908/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Follows the lovable but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell as he joins the U.S. Army Reserves and unexpectedly finds himself deployed to a Middle Eastern conflict. It offers a lighthearted and exaggerated look at basic training, highlighting the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, even in challenging or unexpected circumstances.
About Corporate Life
Corporate
2018-2020 series https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129908/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A dark comedy that satirizes the bleak and soulless nature of corporate life, following two junior executives navigating the absurd bureaucracy and ruthless culture of a multinational conglomerate. With sharp humor and cynical wit, the show explores themes of workplace misery, power dynamics, and the existential dread of modern office jobs.
The China syndrome
1979 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078966/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A tense thriller about a television reporter and her cameraman who uncover a potential meltdown at a nuclear power plant, leading to a dangerous cover-up. As they race to expose the truth, corporate and political forces work to silence them, highlighting the dangers of nuclear energy mismanagement and media suppression.
About Engineering Jobs
The social network
2010 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285016/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A gripping drama that chronicles the rise of Facebook, exploring the ambition, betrayal, and legal battles behind one of the most influential tech startups in history. It shows the power of innovation, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the ethical dilemmas that come with building groundbreaking technology.
Bridge on the River Kwai
1957 2h 41m
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050212/
A war epic set during World War II, where British POWs are forced to build a railway bridge for the Japanese, only for one of the officers to become obsessed with its completion. You see the complexities of construction under extreme conditions, leadership challenges, and the tension between professional pride and moral responsibility in engineering projects.
The architect
2006 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0466665/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A drama about an architect whose vision for a new housing project clashes with the lives of the residents, revealing the ethical dilemmas and personal consequences of his designs. It explores the intersection of creativity, responsibility, and the impact of engineering and design on society, while emphasizing the importance of considering human factors in the planning process.
In the Beginning
2009 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1198385/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A French drama about a conman who takes on the identity of an engineer and convinces a group of workers to build a fake highway project, leading to unexpected consequences. It shows the complexities of leadership, ethical decision-making, and the importance of integrity in engineering projects and teamwork.
The Dam Busters
1955 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046889/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A historical war film that tells the story of the British Royal Air Force's daring mission to destroy key dams in Nazi Germany using a revolutionary bouncing bomb designed by engineer Barnes Wallis. It demonstrates the power of creative problem-solving, innovative engineering design under pressure, and the impact of technology on military strategy.
The Flight of the Phoenix
1965 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059183/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A gripping survival drama about a group of plane crash survivors in the Sahara Desert who work together to build a new aircraft from the wreckage. It shows problem-solving, teamwork, and ingenuity under extreme pressure, as the characters use their engineering skills and resourcefulness to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Man in the White Suit
1951 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044876/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A satirical comedy about a brilliant chemist who invents an indestructible, stain-resistant fabric, only to face backlash from both industry leaders and labor unions fearing economic disruption. It illustrates the challenges of innovation, the resistance to disruptive technology, and the ethical dilemmas of progress in industrial society.
Falling down
1993 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106856/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A psychological thriller about an unemployed defense engineer who, frustrated with societal decay and personal failures, embarks on a violent journey through Los Angeles. It offers a thought-provoking look at the pressures of modern work, the consequences of technological displacement, and the fine line between control and chaos in an increasingly complex world.
Tucker: The Man and His Dream
1988 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096316/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
The inspiring true story of Preston Tucker, an innovative automobile designer who challenges the big automakers with his groundbreaking car, only to face powerful industry opposition. It highlights the struggles of innovation, the importance of perseverance, and the challenges of bringing revolutionary ideas to market.
Westworld
2016-2022 Series https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475784/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A sci-fi thriller about a futuristic amusement park where lifelike androids malfunction, leading to chaos and deadly consequences for the human guests. It explores the ethical and technical challenges of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the unintended consequences of advanced technology.
Websites
Military
Department of Defense site
https://www.defnse.gov
US Military Entrance Processing Center
https://www.mepcom.army.mil/
Official Army site
https://www.army.mil
Official Navy site
https://www.navy.mil
Official Air Force site
https://www.af.mil
Official Marine Corps site
https://www.marines.mil
Official Coast Guard site
https://www.uscg.mil
Official Space Force site
https://www.spaceforce.mil
Professional Organizations
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
https://www.ieee.org/
Largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology in electrical, electronics, and computing fields.
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
https://www.asme.org/
Focuses on mechanical engineering, offering standards, professional development, and networking opportunities.
AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers)
https://www.aiche.org/
Serves chemical engineers by providing resources, conferences, and support for process industries.
NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers)
https://www.nspe.org/
Promotes license, ethical practices, and professional development across all engineering disciplines.
ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)
https://www.asce.org/
Focuses on civil engineering with guidelines, standards, and professional development opportunities.
SWE (Society of Women Engineers)
https://swe.org/
Advocates for women in engineering, offering mentorship, scholarships, and networking.
IISE (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers)
https://www.iise.org/
Provides resources and certifications for industrial and systems engineers.
SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)
https://www.sme.org/
Supports manufacturing engineers through certifications, training, and conferences.
SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers)
https://www.sae.org/
Serves engineers in automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries.
ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies)
https://www.acec.org/
Represents private engineering companies, offering business and policy advocacy.
AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
https://aiaa.org/
Focuses on the aerospace industry and related fields.
BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society)
https://www.bmes.org/
Supports biomedical engineers through research, professional development, and networking.
EWB (Engineers Without Borders)
https://ewb-usa.org/
Connects engineers with humanitarian projects worldwide to address infrastructure challenges.
NACE International (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)
https://www.ampp.org/
Specializes in protecting materials from corrosion through standards and certification.
AAES (American Association of Engineering Societies
https://aimehq.org/
An umbrella organization representing multiple engineering societies, focusing on policy and public awareness.
Government Jobs
Go Government
https://www.gogovernment.org/
The Partnership for Public Service is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, whose mission is to build a better government and a stronger democracy.
USA Jobs
https://www.usajobs.gov/
The federal government's official employment site.