| Electrical
engineers, computer scientists and other technology professionals
need years of education to qualify for jobs in their fields. And
yet, even with all of this training, many of these same people working
in high-tech fields find themselves held back in the workplace because
they lack business-critical interpersonal, writing and presentation
skills.
So how do you rank? Can you write concise and understandable e-mails?
If you boss’s boss asks for a quick “elevator conversation”
about your latest project, will you be able to give it to him? Can
you introduce yourself to a room full of people?
Improving your so-called “soft” skills can not only
improve your chances of communicating the things you need from your
bosses and co-workers to do your job, they can also make you a more
valuable employee. And the more valuable you are, the more likely
you are to be rewarded in the long run.
With this in mind, here are several admittedly unusual ways you
can improve your soft skills, and in the process, give your career
a boost. And guess what — you just might have some fun in
the process.
1. Take an acting class
Acting classes are a great way to break out of your comfort zone.
They'll teach you to try new things, be comfortable in front of
an audience, and to get into a character’s head. This in particular
is a great tool; role-playing helps you to understand the needs
of your audience (a salesperson or your boss, for example), and
the needs of the people you are trying to communicate with on your
job.
Acting classes also teach you to use your voice and project it off-stage
to an audience. While based in old-school theatrical forms, this
can help you when it comes time to give a presentation, bringing
confidence and authority to your voice. Learn to own the material
and it won’t own you.
Along similar lines, improv classes offer similar lessons, along
with the extra bonus of getting you to think quickly and adapt on
your feet. Again, a great tool for presentations, especially if
you think anyone is going to ask questions.
2. Read and write poetry
There’s nothing like poetry to give you a better understanding
of language. Reading and writing poetry will give you a chance to
learn about word play, timing, rhythm, pace and style. Writing verse
also allows you to practice putting words together in a clear, concise
manner — an especially valuable business tool.
By the way, when reading poetry, try to do it out loud. You’ll
gain an even better understanding of the poem’s inner rhythm.
3. Join Rotary, Lions or some other local club
Contrary to what you may believe, service organizations like the
Rotary or Lions aren't just for older men. The clubs in your area
are looking for bright, eager young members, too. And joining can
provide a number of benefits.
For one things, membership in a non-technology group puts you in
front of people that are not in your field. This gives you a chance
to learn to speak to people who aren't already intimately familiar
with your subject, and for you to do the same. Every conversation
is a learning experience and a chance to practice your interpersonal
skills.
For another thing, service clubs provide great opportunities for
volunteering, getting involved, organizing events, and individual
growth. They offer leadership training without the pressure of a
corporate promotion. You can then bring this leadership experience
to your job when it's needed, and maybe surprise your boss in the
process.
4. Speed dating = quick learning
Okay, this one might not work out too well if you are already married
or in a relationship. But speed dating offers you a great chance
to perfect your “elevator pitch” — that description
of who you are and what you do that will capture and captivate the
person you're speaking to in less than 30 seconds.
At the right event, you could end up speaking one-on-one to 10 or
20 people in an hour or two. Each person will hear your "pitch,"
and will follow up with a series of unexpected questions for you
to answer. Watch each person's reaction and adapt your pitch when
you move on to the next person.
Even if you don't generate any “dates” from speed dating,
what better opportunity do you have to speak to that many people
in a row and get instant feedback?
5. Two engineers walk into a bar...
Similar to acting lessons, stand-up comedy can teach you timing,
presence and, most importantly, how to make people laugh. Good stand-ups
listen to their audience, learn from its reactions, and adapt their
material. Understanding what makes people laugh is one step closer
to understanding what makes them tick. A good sense of humor will
always benefit you in your career, so find a local club with an
open-mic night or take a class and see what happens.
Just stay away from jokes using George Carlin's seven dirty words.
They don't play too well in a business environment.
6. Read 'til your eyes bleed
If you want to write better, it helps to read. A lot. And not just
science journals — everything you can get your hands on from
all kinds of sources. Newspapers, magazines, comic books, novels,
biographies, business newsletters, advertisements, etc., etc., etc.
While you're reading, analyze how the writers accomplished what
they did. How was the piece constructed? What tricks did the writers
employ? How did one sentence build from the next? What worked and
what didn't?
The more you read, the more you absorb. The more you absorb, the
better your own e-mails, reports and letters will read. And the
more you'll be noticed and trusted.
7. Videotape yourself
Just about every new laptop these days seems to come with a built-in
webcam. So put it to good use. Point it at yourself and record your
practice sessions. Then play them back and see how you look. You'll
be amazed what you notice when you look at yourself from the outside.
You can do this in front of a mirror, too, but the real learning
comes during playback, so go high-tech if you can.
8. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice,
practice...
You’re not the only one of your peers who needs help with
his or her presentation or writing skills. So team up. Get a small
group of your co-workers or friends together on your lunch hour
or after work, and practice what you're learning. Rehearse your
presentations, practice your writing skills, try out each others'
handshakes, and run through your elevator conversations. Learn from
each other. Then, after you're done practicing, critique each other.
Be kind — a critique isn't about destroying someone. It's
about providing constructive feedback. This creates a safe, comfortable
place to practice, and it will allow your team to grow and try new
things without fear of being judged.
That “not being judged” thing? It's key. Because everything
you do in the workplace will be judged by your bosses, so make sure
to get some practice before they find something to really criticize
you about.
Reprinted from IEEE-USA’s Today’s Engineer,
August 8, 2008.
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