Abstract: The stereotype of engineers and technical professionals as inarticulate, socially inept geniuses inventing problems to solve is unkind and inaccurate. Yet the Dilbert image persists. So do jokes like the one about the engineer sentenced to death on the guillotine, who watches the instrument of death malfunction, then tells the operators how to fix it.
Why do people make fun of engineers? Do people wired and trained to analyze and solve problems and focus on the mechanics of a situation frustrate those whose brains are wired differently? And how does their way of dealing with individuals and interactions - that first value of the Agile Manifesto - sometimes get in the way of team collaboration and productivity?
In this interactive session, we'll show a little empathy for engineers and other analytical folk whose neurological wiring makes them seem different from the rest of humanity. We'll also explore how those with the engineering mindset can develop their own empathy and consciously adopt behaviours that amplify their value to their teams and organizations, make them more effective leaders - and make their own lives easier by positioning themselves for understanding.
Join Shawn, a long time developer, and Sue, a coach and communication specialist, in a lively exploration of what can happen when engineers and technical professionals shift their mindset from solving problems to creating impact.
Learning Outcomes: - People will leave this session with an appreciation of
- How to make your ideas meaningful to others by taking their perspective
- How shifting your language from "What?" to "So What?" helps people connect the dots
- Why giving up the need to be smart may be the smartest thing you ever do
- Techniques you can use to take someone else's perspective.
Attachments:
