In the world of engineering, technical expertise alone is no longer enough to excel. Employers are seeking professionals who can seamlessly blend technical prowess with the invaluable power of soft skills.
These sought-after traits are the ingredients that can significantly boost your career trajectory and set you apart from the competition.
From effective communication and collaboration to critical thinking and adaptability, these influential soft skills are the catalysts that can take your engineering career to new heights.
By embracing these highly sought-after traits, you will be at the forefront of engineering excellence and potentially open doors to exciting opportunities others may never find or that were previously out of reach.
At Virtue Talent, we listen to what our clients need to build their team's capability, and so we dive into the ten most in-demand soft skills for engineers who are in high demand.
You Have a Growth Mindset
An individual with a growth mindset tends to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, embracing experiences as valuable lessons that propel them forward.
After all, engineers are renowned for solving the world's complex problems by developing innovative solutions. Apply that same methodology to your way of thinking.
Innovation and Creativity
Creativity is generating unique and novel ideas, solutions, and approaches. The spark ignites innovation, allowing individuals to think outside the box, challenge the status quo, and envision possibilities others may not see.
When you embrace creativity, you unlock your innate ability to think critically and analytically while tapping into your intuition and imagination. You become a problem solver who sees challenges as opportunities for creative solutions. You develop the confidence to take calculated risks, experiment with new ideas, and embrace failure as part of the learning process.
Dare to be different!
Focus
In a world of distractions and constant interruptions, cultivating deep focus has become a superpower that can revolutionise how you work and achieve your goals.
Although not always easy, don't be afraid to turn the phone off; turn the email notifications off and find a quiet space. We tend to think that we are focused when we commit to a task; how ping notifications and interruptions by others may cost you the accolade you deserve.
Communication
An obvious one is that communication skills encompass the ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions effectively and clearly.
In its many forms, it involves speaking and writing, active listening, empathy, non-verbal cues, and adaptability in different contexts and with diverse audiences.
Engineering professionals who excel in communication are better equipped to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, influence others, and drive collaboration. Not to mention, get promoted!
Communication has never been so crucial in all aspects of our lives. Now, we must master this skill in an ever-interconnected world with so many facets of communication being fed to us.
Before pinging that email, go for a walk and take a step back. Is what I am sending conveying the message that I want it to?
Relate and Build Rapport with Story Telling
Storytelling is a powerful communication tool that captivates an audience and conveys messages effectively. It is essential, however, to remember always to be genuine and authentic!
Successful storytelling includes nine stages:
Plot: The plot is the backbone of a story.
Characterisation: Compelling characters can draw the audience into the story.
Conflict: Conflict creates tension and drives the narrative forward.
Emotion: Stories that evoke emotions are more memorable.
Dialogue: Dialogue brings characters to life and helps convey their thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Pacing: Pacing refers to the rhythm and tempo of the story.
Imagery: Paint a visual picture in the audience's mind using descriptive language, metaphors, and similes.
Structure: Consider the overall structure of the story, including the beginning, middle, and end, as well as the use of flashbacks, foreshadowing, or nonlinear storytelling techniques.
Authenticity: Authentic stories resonate with audiences. Draw from personal experiences, emotions, and values to infuse authenticity into your storytelling.
Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness is the understanding, appreciation, and sensitivity towards different cultural perspectives, norms, values, and practices. It involves being conscious of your cultural background while respecting and embracing the diversity and uniqueness of other cultures.
Here are some critical aspects of cultural awareness:
Open-mindedness: Cultivate an open and non-judgmental attitude towards different cultures.
Knowledge: Educate yourself about different cultures, including their history, traditions, customs, and etiquette.
Respect: Respect for cultural differences is essential. Recognise that every culture has its values, beliefs, and practices, and avoid imposing your cultural standards on others.
Effective Communication: Cultural awareness enhances communication across cultures. Be mindful of non-verbal cues, language barriers, and varying communication styles.
Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity involves understanding and recognising the potential impact of cultural differences on individuals and groups. Be aware of possible cultural biases, stereotypes, and unconscious biases that may influence your perceptions or behaviour towards others.
Adaptability: Cultivate the ability to adapt to different cultural contexts. Flexibility and understanding are crucial when working, living, or travelling in other cultures. Adapt to local customs, norms, and practices with a willingness to learn and embrace new experiences.
The Ability to Think Critically
Critical thinking is a valuable cognitive skill that involves analysing, evaluating, and interpreting information logically and objectively. It allows individuals to assess arguments, make reasoned judgments, and solve problems effectively, which is a necessity in most if not all, engineering disciplines.
To develop critical thinking skills, you can:
Ask questions and seek different perspectives.
Engage in debates, discussions, and group problem-solving activities.
Practice active listening and consider different arguments before forming your opinion.
Seek out diverse sources of information and evaluate them critically.
Engage in puzzles, games, and other activities that require logical reasoning and problem-solving.
Continuously challenge yourself to think critically and analyse situations from multiple angles.
Leadership Skills
Even if your job title is not leader or manager, everyone leads in some shape or form - whether they think they do or not. You could be a Graduate Engineer mentoring an intern or undergraduate - their perception of you can help shape their career.
Overall, practical leadership skills involve adapting to changing circumstances, connecting with team members, communicating clearly and empathetically, and approaching problem-solving with creativity and strategic thinking.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Sometimes overlooked in engineering, but extremely important! Emotional intelligence (EQ) refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as understand and empathise with the feelings of others.
Being aware of our emotions and how they impact our behaviour and decision-making and navigating and handling professional relationships effectively.
Developing emotional intelligence can be done through self-reflection, practice, and learning. Here are some strategies to enhance emotional intelligence:
Increase self-awareness: Reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Observe patterns in your behaviour and identify triggers. Seeking feedback from others can also provide valuable insights.
Practice self-regulation: Develop techniques to manage stress and regulate your emotions. This could include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or finding healthy outlets for emotions like journaling or physical activity.
Cultivate empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of others and try to understand their perspective. Listen attentively and show genuine interest in their feelings. Practice active empathy by validating their emotions and providing support.
Improve social skills: Enhance your communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal. Practice active listening, ask open-ended questions, and communicate clearly and respectfully. Invest in building positive relationships and seek opportunities for collaboration and teamwork.
Foster motivation: Set clear goals and align them with your values and purpose. Break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate your successes and maintain a growth mindset to stay motivated when facing challenges.
By developing emotional intelligence, we can enhance our relationships, make better decisions, manage conflicts effectively, and create a positive and productive work and personal environment. It is a skill set that can be continuously honed and refined, benefitting our personal and professional lives.
Are you looking to hire exceptional engineers with high EQ?
Speak to Virtue Talent and learn more about the assessment tools we use to attract, engage and retain top engineering talent.