Heilmeier's Catechism

1. The questions

In 1994, writer Joshua Shapiro interviewed George H. Heilmeier, then President and CEO of Bellcore, or Bell Communications Research Inc.[1] In his interview, Shapiro elicits a set of probing questions that made Heilmeier’s leadership so successful. All research scientists should be able to readily answer these simple questions and how they relate to their projects:

• What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
• How is it done today, and what are the limitations of current practice?
• What’s new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
• Who cares? If you’re successful, what difference will it make?
• What are the risks and the payoffs?
• How much will it cost? How long will it take?
• What are the midterm and final “exams” to check for success?

Variations on these questions will be asked by your peers, your prelim and thesis committees and your future employers throughout your scientific career. It is best to keep these in mind as you are designing and executing your project and to revisit these questions frequently as the project evolves.

2. References

[1] SHAPIRO, J. George H. Heilmeier. IEEE Spectrum 31, 6 (June 1994), 56–59.