Communicating in a Global Context: Know Your Audience
“If an engineer’s primary goal is ultimately to solve problems for society, this goal may not be fulfilled if engineers cannot communicate effectively. Engineers can develop great solutions, but if we cannot effectively explain to society a solution is safe and viable, then we have failed.” -Kevin Forbes, P.E. It’s not enough to excel at […]
New Engineering Managers Get the Most from One-on-One Meetings
One of the best ways for a new engineering manager to establish credibility and earn trust is through one-on-one meetings. A one-on-one (1:1) meeting is a regular meeting between a manager and employee that gives the employee time to share concerns, resolve issues, plan, and receive feedback. For managers, one-on-one meetings are ideal times to […]
Preparing Technical Talent for Management
This article was originally published by Inside Indiana Business on May 20, 2022. Companies can ensure technical professionals are prepared to manage others but only if they’re willing to reconsider their approach. To secure and keep a deep bench of tech talent, successful organizations invest in the professional development of their engineers and technical professionals. […]
3 Aspects Influencing Goal Realization
Many of us set goals—independently and as part of teams. We strive to set goals that are realistic and achievable, but we are not always able to realize the goals we set. In fact, sometimes it is extremely difficult to even make progress, let alone actually achieve our goals. From changing circumstances and a lack […]
Communicating in Times of Uncertainty
Uncertainty has become more common over the past couple of years—perhaps more so than many leaders, and business owners, would like to accept. Yet many long for a return to normal, even though realists acknowledge that the term “normal” is associated with the past. At this point, as leaders continue to try and develop solutions […]
Foundational Skills to Leverage in the New Year
Foundational Skills to Leverage in the New Year Originally published on Inside Indiana Business, January 20, 2022. Being proficient at completing the technical aspects of your position can only take you so far. To stand out from others, strong foundational skills are required. Individuals who are self-aware and adept at communication and relationship building, position […]
3 Questions New Managers Should Ask to Better Manage Performance
back to all Most managers dread performance evaluations. That’s understandable. The way many performance evaluation programs are structured can be daunting to navigate, especially if you are new or if you are uncomfortable talking with your team members about performance. New managers often have the technical or other skills needed to do their jobs, but […]
Making Communication Meaningful During a Global Pandemic
This article was originally featured on Inside Indiana Business on September 3, 2021. Controlling the narrative is important to organizations, even if it’s not publicly acknowledged as being so. Often, we want to get ahead of misinformation or ensure individuals understand what we’re trying to do and why. We want to influence and motivate behavior. […]
How to Improve Your Tolerance for Change
Change Can Be Intimidating I know change can be intimidating. I want to give you four practical principles that you can use to help yourself become more comfortable with change. Keep in mind, when I talk about change, I am talking about major, unplanned change. What I am referring to are principles that you can […]
The Key to Dealing with Ambiguity When You’re Under Pressure
Your motivation and commitment support you through major, unplanned change. To focus, make sound decisions, and move forward toward your goals, you must make time for reflection and thinking. In doing so, you enable yourself to separate stress from decision-making. There are activities that you do to ensure you make the best decisions possible and […]