Instructor: Local facilitator to be selected by coordinator

Note: Modules are intended for use by a Section, Branch or Younger Member Forum coordinator and presented at a local meeting. Modules are not intended for use by individuals as much of the content is based on group interaction. Access to all course materials will be provided to the coordinator following checkout. The coordinator is responsible for selection of a facilitator and organization of the meeting.

ASCE does not offer PDHs for this course.

Course Length: (3) 2-hour sessions OR (1) 6-hour session; based on coordinator/facilitator preference

Purpose and Background

It is not uncommon for young professionals or emerging engineers to find themselves lacking the leadership and management skills required to help them through the initial phases of their career. The Supercharge Your Career Series is a self-facilitated program that is designed to remedy this by providing a meaningful education experience for developing engineers working towards licensure as professional engineers, and also for those actively engaged in their professional development as practicing professional engineers. The program focuses on engineers with less than ten years’ experience, and is suitable for engineers following a variety of career paths. It touches on many of the core competencies as stated in the ASCE Body of Knowledge, and provides content that addresses the issues facing young engineers including globalization and advanced technology.

In the first module, Fundamentals, you will learn about the different types of communication as well as how to recognize your own communication style. You will be able to apply strategies in order to communicate with those with other communication styles. You will be able to interpret common nonverbal communication cues and apply good listening techniques.

In the second module, Conveying Information, you will learn about common workplace document templates. You will be able to list characteristics of effective technical illustrations. You will be able to differentiate between different audience types as well as learn tips for giving effective prepared oral presentations. Last, you will be able to describe strategies for giving effective impromptu speeches.

In thethird module, Workplace Interaction, you will learn about proper email use as well as how to alternatively communicate workplace discrepancies. You will be able to describe approaches to improve project team interactions. You will be able to recognize proper client interaction techniques and be able to apply positive ways to interact with peers. Finally, you will be able to outline strategies to give and receive feedback.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe four communication styles and apply strategies on communicating with other styles
• Interpret common nonverbal communication cues and apply good listening techniques
• List common workplace document templates and characteristics of effective technical illustration
• Summarize tips for effective prepared oral presentation and describe strategies for impromptu speeches
• List strategies for proper email use and identify alternatives to communicate workplace discrepancies
• Recognize proper client interaction techniques
• Outline strategies to give and receive feedback

Seminar Benefits

• This highly interactive program format includes several practice exercises and materials to provide an on the spot review of the new understandings
• Convey your message clearly and unambiguously
• Enhance teamwork, decision-making, and problem solving
• Communicate even negative or difficult messages without creating conflict or destroying trust

Topics Covered

• Type of Communication
• Communication Style
• Nonverbal Communication
• Listening
• Document Template
• Knowing Your Audience
• Graphics and Illustrations
• Oral Presentations
• Email Protocol
• Project Expectations
• Feedback

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

• This program includes not less than 6 formal self-exercises situated at critical learning moments
• The presentation format is highly interactive, encouraging participants to share and discuss experiences as well as share thoughts and ideas and obtain feedback

Seminar Authors

The mission of the Committee on Leadership and Management (CLM) of the American Society of Civil Engineers is to advance the engineering profession by increasing civil engineers’ awareness of, and expertise in, leadership and management. To help fulfill this mission, CLM is developing the Supercharge Your Career Program for younger ASCE members that will target the development of professional practice skills. Contact the committee at professional@asce.org for information and assistance on this module.

Seminar Facilitation

This program is structured such that it can be presented at the local level by local instructors. It is packaged to incorporate all materials including instructor’s guides, participant guides, workshop materials, presentations, and feedback forms. Prospective facilitators can obtain the material by contacting ASCE. Specific program delivery guidance can be obtained at professional@asce.org.

Seminar Outline

Session I – FUNDAMENTALS

• Types of Communication
• Communication Styles
• Nonverbal Communication
• Listening

Session II – CONVEYING INFORMATION

• Document Templates
• Knowing Your Audience
• Graphics and Illustrations
• Oral Presentations

Session III – WORKPLACE INTERACTION

• Email Protocol
• Project Expectations
• Feedback