Being a successful engineer certainly involves knowing how to apply the subject matter of their discipline, along with incorporating various materials and components available into value added commercial products. However, successful engineers also need to be great communicators.
A recent ASME article outlines five key elements of good communication, especially in meetings.
1) Prepare in Advance – Think about how you would like a conversation to go ahead of time. Try to anticipate the viewpoints of others that might be in the meeting and be prepared to respond to their viewpoints.
2) Yes, and – When someone makes a statement, say “Yes” first, then say “And” and then incorporate your response. Make it a joint statement.
3) Be Calm – Settle yourself before the meeting so that you are ready for opinions contrary to your own.
4) A Better Frame – Instead of saying a design is “bad,” point out how the design could be better.
5) Map Out Steps Right Away – Always end the meeting with a clear understanding of what is to be done next. Follow up with an email or document that lists what was agreed on in the meeting.
The article concludes by saying not every conversation will be constructive or result in everyone agreeing on how to move forward, however there will be less chance for those that attended to have negative feelings about what was discussed. – Dr. Tom
