Engineers Must Stop Bad Communication Habits. Here’s How
It is required for engineers at work to have constant communication, because after all, engineering work is collaboration rather than an individual effort especially when in a company. But it’s not enough to have constant communication, as some conversational practices are detrimental to engineer work relationships.
Success in any field requires a clear understanding of the most effective ways to communicate with others. Poor communication skills can not only damage your reputation, but also cause your company to lose business.
Changing a bad communication habit isn’t easy, especially if you’re unaware of what you’re doing, much less how others perceive the behavior. Once you are able to identify the problem and understand the negative consequences of continuing the bad habit, you can make changes in how you communicate to improve your professional relationships and your career trajectory.
Here are tips to stop such communication habits:
Stop interrupting
Engineers have to make sure that they are heard, and you have to give that to others. Don’t jump in or interrupt when somebody else is talking. It’s not a sign of an engagement in the conversation, but of disrespect. Let the other end finish with his or her piece first.
Do not multitask
Having divided attention is somehow insulting to the other engineer who needs to talk with you on important matters. I know you are trying to finish a lot in a day, but this is a human you are dealing with. Take the tasks one by one.
Refrain from using qualifiers
Phrases like “Don’t take this personally, but…”; “This might be a bad idea, but…”; or “I know what you’re thinking, but…” are building a wall among your co-employees as they only sugarcoat terrible impressions.
Do not equate your experiences
While it’s helpful sometimes that you share your own story to have a perspective in solving a certain problem at work or site, especially when it is related, it’s important to remember that your experience may be different from the other. Your contribution to the discussion might not be helpful.
Stop floundering
Don’t talk when your mouth is full… of shit. If you simply want to converse without getting to point, the engineering workplace is not the best place for you to do that.
If you can, don’t go to the email route
There are conversations and communications that are better discussed personally rather than e-mail. Unless you need receipts, it is much efficient that you talk with a workmate over his office or desk.
Don’t be a passive listener
It takes an engaging, active listener to have an effective communication. Merely hearing is different from listening.
Quit on filler words
Always get to the point. Always. Engineers are busy people who have calculated time, so stop wasting them by lengthening your sentences with unnecessary words.
Final word
Engineers must keep in mind that poor communication speaks volumes about you. Don’t let these communication bad habits define your career.
