Attribute 6: Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful engineering practice, essential for conveying complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, fostering teamwork and collaboration, and advancing professional growth.
Mastery of interpersonal skills and communication enables engineers to resolve conflicts, share ideas, and lead projects confidently. Additionally, awareness and proactive management of diversity and inclusion ensure that diverse perspectives are valued, leading to more innovative solutions. Clear communication with the public and stakeholders builds trust and promotes the societal benefits of engineering projects, underscoring the importance of acting in the public interest.
Overall, Attribute 6 highlights the critical role of communication and interpersonal skills in the engineering profession and their positive impact on society.
Key Targets:
- Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English*, orally and in writing
- Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence
- Communicate new concepts and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Demonstrate effective personal and social skills
- Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion
- Proactively manage diversity and inclusion
*Please note: All assessments and reviews for Engineering Council registration will be conducted in English, subject to the provisions of the Welsh Language Act 1993.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood. This principle is the key to effective interpersonal communication.”
Stephen Covey, 1989
The Breakdown
Communicate well with others at all levels including effective use of English, orally and in writing
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
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Write clear, concise, and accurate emails, reports, and technical documents.
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Deliver effective presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
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Use active listening skills and ask questions to ensure understanding during meetings and discussions.
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Use appropriate language and tone in written and oral communication to convey professionalism and respect.
Discuss ideas and plans competently and with confidence
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Participate in meetings and discussions to contribute ideas and insights to engineering projects.
- Seek feedback and constructive criticism to improve the quality of ideas and plans.
- Present ideas and plans with confidence and clarity, using appropriate visual aids and supporting evidence.
Communicate new concepts and ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Tailor communication style and language to the audience to ensure understanding.
- Use analogies or real-world examples to simplify complex technical concepts.
- Provide context and background information to non-technical stakeholders to help them understand the relevance and impact of engineering concepts.
Demonstrate effective personal and social skills
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Build positive and constructive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate emotional intelligence by showing empathy, respect, and understanding in interpersonal interactions.
- Adapt to different work styles and personalities to facilitate effective collaboration and teamwork.
Demonstrate awareness of diversity and inclusion
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Acknowledge and respect individual differences in cultural background, age, gender, and other aspects of diversity.
- Avoid making assumptions or stereotyping individuals.
- Actively seek out diverse perspectives and opinions to enhance problem-solving and decision-making processes.
Proactively manage diversity and inclusion
HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS?
- Advocate for and support suitable initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
- Identify and address barriers to diversity and inclusion.
- Ensure that communication and collaboration processes are inclusive and accessible to all stakeholders.
“All of us need better skills in listening, conversing, respecting one another’s uniqueness, because these are essential for strong relationships.”
Margaret J. Wheatley, 2002
Summary
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital for engineers, enabling clear information exchange, fostering collaboration, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
These skills ensure transparency, build trust, and enhance the societal impact of engineering projects.
Attribute 6 highlights their importance for professional success and the advancement of the engineering profession.
