Orange County Branch Newsletter

May 2017

Secretary's Column

The Platinum Rule

By Elizabeth Ruedas, EIT




THE PLATINUM RULE
"Treat others the way they want to be treated."


 

Although an effective way to get small children to behave, "treat others the way you want to be treated" sets us up to be ineffective communicators in the long run. We know that communication, or the lack thereof, is at the center of all good and bad relationships, whether it be at work or in our personal life. Similarly, we all like to receive information differently and perform best when those needs are met. Therefore, tailoring our message to meet the needs of others will not only help us become effective communicators, but strengthen relationships, improve performance, and minimize conflict. 

To do so, however, we must first understand our own communication style and how it differs to that of others. At the ASCE OC & OC SWE joint event on April 11th, Pattie Grimm presented this information in a fun and engaging way by comparing each communication style to the personality of a bird. Which one are you?

 

 

Understanding the four communication styles, learning how to identify someone's preferred style, and adjusting your message to meet the needs of others can help lead to effective communication. Effective communication, however, is only one of the traits that make up a great leader. "Soft skills," as they are often called, include a wide variety of other traits as well.

So, how does one go about developing these skills? The ASCE Committee on Younger Members (CYM) has set out to ensure that Younger Members learn these skills early in their career, as they are often not taught in school.

At the ASCE Younger Member Leadership Symposium (YMLS), Younger Members will:

  • Isolate key leadership traits that contribute to successful project management 
  • Increase their emotional intelligence
  • Share best practices and lessons learned
  • Practice self-reflection
  • Discover their personal management style
  • Debunk common leadership myths
  • Explore different types of communication styles
  • Tackle public speaking
  • Network with other asce younger members from around globe
  • Be mentored by asce fellows and/or distinguished members
  • Discuss ways to implement what they have learned locally

 

Please help us promote the event by encouraging Younger Members in your office to register. CLICK HERE to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

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