Discussion: View Thread

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

If you are a young engineer, find a mentor.  If you don't work with one, find one through ASCE.  If you are a senior engineer, be a mentor.  There is no substitution for real life experience.

------------------------------
Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Original Message------

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Thanks for the advice. I have read Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence people." It's a good one.

Stephanie

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 10:21
From: James Gunter
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

In my early career (1976), I was with Mehlburger Engineers, Inc.  The firm paid half the tuition for all its engineers to attend the Dale Carniege course "Human Relations and Effective Public Speaking".

Original Message------

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie,

A couple of tools that I have found useful in my career have been:

- Toastmasters International - Toastmasters provides regular opportunities to practice speeches, presentation skills, and extemporaneous speaking.  The club materials focus on building your skills of organizing your thoughts, being persuasive, etc.  There are many local clubs with modest dues, and I have found employers to be supportive, especially if you commit to measure your progress with the milestones that are part of the program.  Many engineers could benefit from speaking practice to be more polished in front of management, peers, and clients.  In addition to speaking skills, the curriculum also incorporates leadership skills such as evaluating others, giving feedback, facilitating discussions, and more.

- Manager Tools   - This site has a large volume of free material, mostly in the form of podcasts.  The talks are about 30 minutes to an hour each and cover professional career advice for employees (called Career Tools) and advice for new managers (Manager Tools).  Topics range from day to day basics of how to conduct yourself in the workplace, to project management advice, to tips on getting ready to advance your career and get promoted.  The Manager Tools podcasts focus on how to communicate with your direct reports, give feedback, successfully hire and retain talent, etc.  For more intensive training than just the podcasts, they do have in-person training conferences.  The attractive thing about the conferences is that it forces you to actively practice specific skills.  At my previous employer some of the managers were receptive to going to conferences and used some of the lower costs programs as office training topics.

I also was in a professional book club that covered some good material such as Crucial Conversations and 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, but I find that the concepts in business books don't really "work" until you have mastered the basics of communication, accountability, and emotional intelligence.  That's why I recommend the ideas above.

------------------------------
Steven Splitek, P.E., PMP
Lakewood, CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie:

You might also check out my book Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering (Wiley, 2012), which is described here, along with my other books: Managing & Leading Books -- Move toward career security while releasing the leader within you by drawing on the ideas and information in these books

------------------------------
Stuart Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 11:19
From: Steven Splitek
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie,

A couple of tools that I have found useful in my career have been:

- Toastmasters International - Toastmasters provides regular opportunities to practice speeches, presentation skills, and extemporaneous speaking.  The club materials focus on building your skills of organizing your thoughts, being persuasive, etc.  There are many local clubs with modest dues, and I have found employers to be supportive, especially if you commit to measure your progress with the milestones that are part of the program.  Many engineers could benefit from speaking practice to be more polished in front of management, peers, and clients.  In addition to speaking skills, the curriculum also incorporates leadership skills such as evaluating others, giving feedback, facilitating discussions, and more.

- Manager Tools   - This site has a large volume of free material, mostly in the form of podcasts.  The talks are about 30 minutes to an hour each and cover professional career advice for employees (called Career Tools) and advice for new managers (Manager Tools).  Topics range from day to day basics of how to conduct yourself in the workplace, to project management advice, to tips on getting ready to advance your career and get promoted.  The Manager Tools podcasts focus on how to communicate with your direct reports, give feedback, successfully hire and retain talent, etc.  For more intensive training than just the podcasts, they do have in-person training conferences.  The attractive thing about the conferences is that it forces you to actively practice specific skills.  At my previous employer some of the managers were receptive to going to conferences and used some of the lower costs programs as office training topics.

I also was in a professional book club that covered some good material such as Crucial Conversations and 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, but I find that the concepts in business books don't really "work" until you have mastered the basics of communication, accountability, and emotional intelligence.  That's why I recommend the ideas above.

------------------------------
Steven Splitek, P.E., PMP
Lakewood, CO

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie,

There are numerous resources for engineers to learn soft skills. I think these skills are mostly taught in business schools were professors have long understood the value in having proper communication and building relationships. However, one challenge many engineers face is that we are often cataloged as "introverts" and younger people end up believing that. However, we must combat this stigma.

I suggest the following resources:

1. Dale Carnegie - How to win friend and influence people.
2. Google for "The Unwritten Laws of Engineering". 
3. HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations

Those are some interesting reads that I have on the top of my head. I hope they are helpful.

------------------------------
Carlos Zuluaga C.Eng, S.M.ASCE
Ph.D. Student, Civil Engineering
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.  

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

The Engineering Leadership Institute (ELI) has just released our online training for soft-skills for Engineers, the ELI Performance Certification System^TM (PCS). The ELI PCS is a groundbreaking new opportunity for Engineers to build the soft skills employers and practitioners are seeking to unleash ultra-high-performance and fuel career success.

Reach out to me directly at (406) 451-6123, or send me an email at randy@.... I'd love to talk to you about your learning and development and career goals!

------------------------------
Randy Wall P.E., M.ASCE
President
Engineering Leadership Institute
Bozeman MT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

I learned how to give and receive constructive criticism in the video production program during high school.   Work to incorporate an understanding and appreciation of the arts in school and the workplace.  Who is the audience?  What is the meaning?  Was the message conveyed effectively?   The arts may communicate in a more convoluted way, whereas in business we have to communicate in a clear and legally binding fashion.  However, these arts encourage free thinking and creativity.  When the answer is not in the book, we are left to our own devices.  Not everyone needs to be an artist or critic, but being engaged will generate opinions.  Is there a marketing or training project within the firm that engineers can work on?

------------------------------
Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie:

If you are doing any kind of internal education and training and you want the content to be TRIED OUT/USED, then you may find value in my short  article "7 Steps for Getting a Solid ROI from Your Internal Education and Training Event" which is available here:  http://www.helpingyouengineeryourfuture.com/roi.htm 

Stu

------------------------------
Stuart Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher -- Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Get involved in religious and/or community based service organizations. I personally learned my soft skills by virtue of growing up in an active church going family.  This presented many opportunities to interact one on one and  in small groups. Also presented many leadership opportunities.

------------------------------
Willard Bangham P.E., M.ASCE
Resource Conslt
Palm Desert CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie:

One more thought. When a member of your firm attends an off-site conference, seminar, etc, require that they share what they learned in a "brown bag" or similar situation within two weeks after the event. This approach provides three benefits:

1) The individual will be even more attentive at the off-site event.

2) He/she will improve their presentation skills -- even small improvements add up.

3) Others will learn and therefore benefit from your company's investment.

------------------------------
Stuart Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 12:19
From: Willard Bangham
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Get involved in religious and/or community based service organizations. I personally learned my soft skills by virtue of growing up in an active church going family.  This presented many opportunities to interact one on one and  in small groups. Also presented many leadership opportunities.

------------------------------
Willard Bangham P.E., M.ASCE
Resource Conslt
Palm Desert CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Stephanie,

Taking soft skills from the theoretical to the practical to implementation in your practice is the challenge we set out to conquer. Our Performance Certification System^TM (PCS) consists of courses based upon the Engineering Competency Model curriculum that is a national standard. The courses in the PCS consists of enlightening assessments to identify skill gaps, focus, and awareness, and short video lessons presenting the theoretical, practical, and rules-of-thumb to integrate these essential Success Enabling Skills^TM into your practice.

Best of all, the 5-minute video lessons present entertaining stories drawn from actual engineering practice, and the PCS is designed to be done anywhere on any internet connected device. Upon completion of each Tier and ability level, the learner is awarded a digital badge and Professional Development Hours (PDH's) that can be shared on social media, and embedded in digital resumes, emails, etc.

Thanks for the great collaboration discussion!

------------------------------
Randy Wall P.E., M.ASCE
President
Engineering Leadership Institute
www.eli-mt.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 12:19
From: Willard Bangham
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Get involved in religious and/or community based service organizations. I personally learned my soft skills by virtue of growing up in an active church going family.  This presented many opportunities to interact one on one and  in small groups. Also presented many leadership opportunities.

------------------------------
Willard Bangham P.E., M.ASCE
Resource Conslt
Palm Desert CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

Willard makes a good point.  Volunteering and taking an active role in professional organizations, advocacy groups, community groups, etc is a great way to get experience working with all kinds of people.  Volunteering could be a way to practice communication, teamwork, making effective meetings, planning events, assigning tasks, managing funds, giving presentations, soliciting membership or financial support, etc.

When you are working with volunteers you also get to find out how to push people's limits to get projects done.  It's a challenge to figure out how to get things done with people who are only available on a part-time basis.  You have to figure out how to be respectful while still having accountability.  I think this kind of balancing act is only learned by doing.

------------------------------
Steven Splitek, P.E., PMP, ENV SP
Denver, CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 12:19
From: Willard Bangham
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Get involved in religious and/or community based service organizations. I personally learned my soft skills by virtue of growing up in an active church going family.  This presented many opportunities to interact one on one and  in small groups. Also presented many leadership opportunities.

------------------------------
Willard Bangham P.E., M.ASCE
Resource Conslt
Palm Desert CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





------------------------------
Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
------------------------------

To reinforce Steven Splitek's active role advice, I suggest that you and colleagues take an active -- not passive -- role in your ASCE branch or section. Depending on how you and others participate, you can acquire or strengthen writing, speaking, listening, managing, and leading knowledge and skills in a relatively low-risk situation. For example, so your presentation at a branch meeting was less than you had hoped for, you also learned how to be a slightly better speaker.

And then there's the frosting on the cake: You meet someone unexpected and that sets off a whole new chain of opportunities. On reflection, serendipitous connections have happened to me many times. Like Wayne Gretzky said, "you miss all the shots you don't take."


------------------------------
Stuart Walesh Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE(Ret.), Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-20-2017 10:57
From: Steven Splitek
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Willard makes a good point.  Volunteering and taking an active role in professional organizations, advocacy groups, community groups, etc is a great way to get experience working with all kinds of people.  Volunteering could be a way to practice communication, teamwork, making effective meetings, planning events, assigning tasks, managing funds, giving presentations, soliciting membership or financial support, etc.

When you are working with volunteers you also get to find out how to push people's limits to get projects done.  It's a challenge to figure out how to get things done with people who are only available on a part-time basis.  You have to figure out how to be respectful while still having accountability.  I think this kind of balancing act is only learned by doing.

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Steven Splitek, P.E., PMP, ENV SP
Denver, CO

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 12:19
From: Willard Bangham
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Get involved in religious and/or community based service organizations. I personally learned my soft skills by virtue of growing up in an active church going family.  This presented many opportunities to interact one on one and  in small groups. Also presented many leadership opportunities.

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Willard Bangham P.E., M.ASCE
Resource Conslt
Palm Desert CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 09:04
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Thanks everyone for your advice. On a related topic - after you have done the books, webinars, or conferences, are there recommended ways to put this into practice? It is very different to learn about it in a book, webinar, or conference vs actually trying it and honing those skills. And let's face it - many engineers are not good with soft skills, let alone giving specific actionable feedback in this area.

Toastmasters for presenting/speaking skills seems like a really good option to practice in a low-risk environment that is easily accessible in most locations. Are there others?

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Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2017 14:18
From: Stuart Walesh
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

Stephanie:

ASCE and I have presented and archived over 20 soft-skill/non-technical knowledge webinars. They are archived and for sale and for earning PDHs/CEUsat the following site:  American Society of Civil Engineers :: Catalog





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Stuart G. Walesh Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
stuwalesh@...
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2017 07:44
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Soft skills and non-technical training

I have been involved in discussions lately discussing the need for better communication/people skills/soft skills among engineers. Do you know of any resources for training of this type for engineers? Does your firm either offer this type of training in-house or otherwise support non-technical training or coaching?

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Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Associate Principal
Hope Furrer Assoc Inc
State College PA
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