Communication Skills for Engineers

Hiring managers seeking engineering candidates look for the ability to clearly present
objectives, data, conclusions, and recommendations.

Communication Skills for Engineers 

In today’s world, it is essential for an engineer to possess strong communication skills; it is the biggest determiner of success in the modern engineer’s professional career.

"There is ample evidence that graduate engineers lack the required standard of communication skills, particularly when compared to the needs of the industry internationally."

- UNESCO's International Centre report for Engineering Education

In addition to the technical skills necessary to design, test, and build things, successful engineers must also have the ability to 'interact with others'. 

As per The Ohio State University's 'Engineer Magazine',

"In today’s world, it is essential for an engineer to possess strong communication skills; it is the biggest determiner of success in the modern engineer’s professional career."

Hiring managers seeking engineering candidates look for the ability to clearly present objectives, data, conclusions, and recommendations.

According to Engineering Institute of Technology (Australia),

"Strong communication skills in engineering have become imperative as the engineering industry continues to evolve."

So what can engineers do to work on their communication skills? Here are 10 tips on how to use communication effectively,

1. Use positive language. 
   
   
2. Be clear, deliberate and concise. 
   
   
3. Show your appreciation for good work. 
   
   
4. Carefully select language when critiquing. 
   
   
5. Show genuine interest in conversations. 
   
   
6. Set clear and achievable communication goals. 
   
   
7. Avoid slang and colloquial language. 
   
   
8. Be precise and to the point. 
   
   
9. Ensure there is no room for misinterpretation. 
   
   
10. Think before you speak.
    

Additionally, here is also a list of 9 must-read books to make you a stronger communicator. Find the list in the comment section.

(1) Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results By Rob Biesenbach 

(2) Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great By Carmine Gallo
(3) Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone By Mark Goulston
(4) We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter By Celeste Headlee
(5) Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others By Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas
(6) Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences By Nancy Duarte
(7) Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It By Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
(8) Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age By Sherry Turkle
(9) The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century By Steven Pinker

3 Most Important Human Values

3 Most Important Human Values 

All these 3 values are essential to make a difference in the world we live in. Initiative is a must and this shows that the person (who initiates) is a problem solver, he/she is not a mere cribber or a complainer.

As a leader, according to me, the following are 3 most important human values that I feel are utmost essential to welcome change in the world.

1. Initiative

2. Empathy

3. Positive Attitude

All these 3 values are essential to make a difference in the world we live in. Initiative is a must and this shows that the person (who initiates) is a problem solver, he/she is not a mere cribber or a complainer.

It also shows that he/ she has a spark of leadership in him/ her and can lead a group of like-minded followers in the direction of the desired change for betterment of the community. Look at any social entrepreneur and you will witness a history of initiatives on his/ her part. Look at any inventor or the one who made a discovery, and again you will find a trail of initiatives behind them.

Empathy is another important value that keep us grounded and makes us feel the pain or sorrow the other person might be going through. This is equally pertinent value that encourages us to bring a positive change (not just ANY change) in the lives of the people around.

And last but not the least, positive attitude is the value that keeps us persistent with our efforts. Without the element of positive attitude, it is really very difficult to keep on track in the face of struggles or fluctuations of life. 

 

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