Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, with applications infiltrating every corner of industry. From medical diagnosis and fraud detection to personalized recommendations and self-driving cars, AI is poised to disrupt and redefine how we work and live. But simply deploying an AI system isn’t enough. To truly unlock its potential, you need the […]
Category: Communication
Collaboration in the Digital Age: Harnessing Technology for Greater Efficiency
In today’s fast-paced digital age, collaboration has become more important than ever. As businesses strive to stay competitive and innovative, the ability to work together effectively is crucial. However, collaboration can pose significant challenges, particularly when teams are spread across different locations or time zones. Fortunately, technology has revolutionized the way we collaborate, offering a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
5 Critical Aspects of Performance Management for New Managers
Proactive Performance Management When I started in management, I was focused on ensuring my team understood goals and expectations. Equally important, was knowing that each team member had access to the training they needed to do their jobs well. By the time I left that organization five years later, I was addicted to proactive performance […]
Use Innovative Learning to Prepare Your Organization for Change
Maintenance Learning is for Organizations Who Want to Maintain the Status Quo It is not uncommon for organizations to connect learning and development activities to performance evaluations. This practice fails to account for the performance required to successfully navigate change. The practice of maintenance learning addresses growth and learning related to performance gaps and anticipated […]
Why Leaders Can’t Ignore Collaboration
Collaboration is critical to any successful, high functioning organization. Yet, amazingly, some leaders underestimate its value. Others, not only understand it, they use it to accomplish strategic goals. The collaboration between NASA and Lego® is a good example. Lego® wanted to help children learn about the aerospace sector so they partnered with NASA and signed […]
Leaders, Avoid Inefficiency with Diversity of Opinion
For leaders, having direct reports always tell you “yes” is a problem. You can solve this by creating an environment in which the rewards reinforce honesty and constructive, professional dialogue. To avoid inefficiency, you need to embrace diversity of opinion. I’ve worked with my share of leaders who surrounded themselves with “yes people” over the […]