Strong communication skills are a desirable quality in the job market and sorely lacking in the United States. According to LinkedIn data, it’s the biggest unfulfilled need among American businesses today. The data shows that companies are in need of 1.4 million more people who can communicate and connect with others effectively. The next biggest need is software engineers.
Communication is a skill that benefits employees in any role, from project managers to sales professionals and more. Collaborating with others, communicating complicated project details, and translating the value of complex products to customers all involve communication.
Effective communication comes down to these four factors:
- Listening: The ability to listen, understand others’ point of view, and react accordingly are key components of great communicators.
- Being clear and concise: Ensuring that others can easily understand what you are communicating, whether in person, by email, on video conference, or by any other medium, requires the ability to be both clear and concise.
- Possessing emotional intelligence: In the midst of office disagreements, it’s important to be able to understand others’ emotions without getting emotional yourself.
- Business acumen: Even the best communicators in the world must understand the needs of the business and think beyond their own role and needs in order to push the business forward.
English for Engineering
Take your technical communication skills to the next level by learning how to speak, read, and write English with IEEE English for Engineering. An engaging series of interactive online modules, this training is perfect for engineering professionals looking to strengthen and enhance their communications skills for project collaboration and career advancement. Subscribe to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library today for access to all course content.
Resources
Petrone, Paul. (26 Apr 2018). The Skill American Companies Need Most Right Now – and How to Learn It. LinkedIn.
IEEE English for Engineering. IEEE Xplore Digital Library.
[…] Online learning also creates new ways to participate, interact and communicate with classmates and instructors. By learning new ways to communicate effectively, you can develop one of the most sought after skills in the workplace. […]