“If you work on more effective communication, if you work on being more emotionally intelligent, I can absolutely guarantee you, you're gonna build better relationships, not only in your personal life, you're gonna build better relationships in your professional life.” - Dr. James Bryant 

In this episode of Engineer Your Success Podcast, Dr. James Bryant shares tools, tips, and techniques to help engineering professionals achieve success both in business and in life. Through an engaging conversation, Dr. Bryant explains the importance of communication skills in the engineering profession and how they can make all the difference when it comes to progressing in your career. He also shares seven tips for mastering crucial conversations and becoming a better communicator for both technical and non-technical audiences. Join us as we dive into active listening, clarifying questions, visual aids, emotional intelligence and more! By mastering these communication strategies engineers can build stronger relationships with their clients, colleagues and stakeholders. Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to be successful in both your professional and personal life!

Let’s dive in!

[00:00 - 07:20] Tips Engineers Can Use for More Effective Communication 

• More than 300 engineering professionals were surveyed, and 60 responded

• Biggest challenges identified: 

• • Diminished work-life balance

  • Burnout/stress

  • Inability to effectively communicate

  • Managing time effectively

  • Professional networking

  • Dealing with failure

  • Struggling with imposter syndrome 

  • Techniques for addressing burnout/stress

[07:21 - 15:18] How to Put Technical Expertise Into Language That Non-Technical People Can Understand

• The inability to effectively communicate is the most single variable that affects long-term success for engineers 

• Engineers need to be able to put technical expertise into language that non-technical people can understand

• Many engineers don't realize how important effective communication is to their careers

• Engineers must be able to communicate with different stakeholders, including clients, stakeholders, the general public, and policy makers

[15:19 – 23:45] Closing Segment

• Tips and strategies for engineering professionals to improve their communication skills:

• • Practice active listening to understand the perspective of the audience

  • Ask clarifying questions to prevent misunderstandings

  • Use clear, concise language and visual aids to make technical information more accessible

  • Develop emotional intelligence by practicing empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution skills

  • Seek feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and clients

  • Listen to your own voice and apply self-compassion when facing embarrassment

• Parting Notes

Let’s connect! Find me on my LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.

You have the strength of a hero within you. Check out my website https://betteryou4u.com/ and learn how to unlock your potential and achieve success both in business and in life.

Important Resources to Note:

• Click here https://sleekbio.com/jbryant for important resources mentioned on this podcast.

Register for the Engineer Your Success On-Ramp: http://bit.ly/3SUeilY

Additional Effective Communication Resources

https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/blog/communicating-effectively-3-practical-tips-for-getting-your-message-across/

Podcast Episodes

Ep. 82 – People hear you but are they listening? 3 Tips for getting your message across

https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/podcast/ep-82-people-hear-you-but-are-they-listening-3-tips-for-getting-your-message-across/

Ep. 64 - Success Principles through Communication and Interpersonal Skills with Sarah Banowetz

https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/podcast/ep-64-success-principles-through-communication-and-interpersonal-skills-with-sarah-banowetz/

Episode 5 Communicating Your Way to Success

https://www.engineeryoursuccessnow.com/podcast/episode-5-communicating-your-way-to-success/

Tweetable Quotes:

“Many engineers don't realize how important this skill of effective communication is to their careers.” - Dr. James Bryant 

“Emotional intelligence involves the ability to understand and manage emotions, both your own and others.” - Dr. James Bryant