Unwritten Laws of Engineering by W.J. King Summary

The Unwritten Laws of Engineering by W.J. King is a professional guide addressing non-technical challenges in engineering careers. Originally published in 1944, it outlines practical "house rules" for workplace conduct across three areas: essential advice for beginners, leadership principles for managers, and personal/professional ethics. The book emphasizes administrative wisdom, interpersonal dynamics, and proactive problem-solving over technical skills.

This book is essential for new engineers, technical managers, and professionals seeking career advancement. It’s particularly valuable for those struggling with workplace dynamics, communication, or leadership challenges. Experienced engineers also benefit from revisiting its timeless principles to refine their professional conduct.

Yes. Despite its age, the book remains a cornerstone of engineering literature for its concise, actionable advice. Reviewers praise its focus on soft skills—like communication and accountability—that are critical for long-term career success. The 60-page format makes it a quick yet impactful read.

New engineers should:

• Treat simple tasks with full dedication.
• Proactively follow up on commitments from colleagues or suppliers.
• Confirm instructions in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
• Prepare thoroughly for business trips and follow up post-travel.

Managers learn to:

• Delegate clearly while maintaining oversight.
• Foster open communication with teams.
• Avoid micromanaging but stay informed on critical projects.
• Lead by example in professionalism and ethics.

Key personal guidelines include:

• Prioritizing lifelong learning.
• Balancing confidence with humility.
• Building trust through reliability.
• Navigating office politics with integrity.

A hallmark line advises, “Let’s go see!”—encouraging engineers to investigate problems firsthand rather than relying on secondhand reports. This embodies the book’s emphasis on proactive problem-solving and collaboration.

Both books share W.J. King’s core principles, but The Unwritten Laws of Business broadens the audience to non-engineers. The original engineering-focused version includes industry-specific examples, while the latter adapts advice for general corporate settings.

Its focus on human dynamics in technical fields transcends technological changes. Remote work, AI integration, and interdisciplinary teams amplify the need for soft skills like communication and adaptability—areas the book addresses comprehensively.

W.J. King was a General Electric engineer and UCLA professor who wrote the book in 1944 after observing workplace failures stemming from poor professional conduct, not technical errors. His pragmatic insights stemmed from decades of industry and academic experience.

• Document decisions and instructions.
• Regularly update stakeholders on project status.
• Address conflicts directly but diplomatically.
• Continuously seek mentorship and feedback.

Some note its brevity and lack of technical depth, but most agree its purpose—to codify implicit workplace norms—is fulfilled effectively. Modern readers may need to contextualize older examples, but the core principles remain universally applicable.