Communication Engineering 💬 — with Pramoda Vyasarao
Oct 4, 2024
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In this discussion, Pramoda Vyasarao, a seasoned leadership and communication coach with over 20 years in big tech, dives into the art of effective communication tailored for engineers and managers. He shares insights from his career transformation and the practical frameworks he developed, like TALL and GROW, to enhance dialogue and decision-making. Pramoda emphasizes mindful listening, the importance of asking the right questions, and how strong communication skills can unlock career opportunities. He also distinguishes between coaching and mentoring, highlighting their roles in leadership development.
Effective communication techniques should foster collaboration and partnerships rather than manipulation, especially in engineering and leadership roles.
Engineers must overcome communication barriers by simplifying complex concepts for non-technical stakeholders to enhance understanding.
The importance of asking open questions and practicing mindful listening is vital for fostering meaningful conversations and team dynamics.
Deep dives
The Role of Communication in Leadership
Effective communication is essential for collaborative leadership, especially for engineers and managers. Instead of viewing communication techniques as tools for manipulation, they should be utilized for building partnerships within an organization. This emphasizes the importance of shared goals and teamwork, fostering an environment where ideas can be openly discussed. There is a shift from traditional negotiation tactics used in high-stakes scenarios, to focusing on collaboration and mutual understanding for successful leadership.
Challenges in Engineer Communication
Engineers often face communication barriers stemming from language and the complexity of their technical knowledge. Many non-native English speakers struggle to articulate their ideas due to a lack of vocabulary and structural understanding. Simultaneously, those fluent in English may suffer from the 'curse of knowledge', where their in-depth expertise leads to convoluted explanations that alienate non-technical stakeholders. Bridging these communication gaps is crucial, where engineers must learn to simplify complex concepts for broader audiences.
The Importance of Asking Open Questions
Asking the right questions significantly enhances communication and understanding among team members. Closed questions can stifle conversation, whereas open questions encourage deeper dialogue and inquiry. To improve questioning techniques, a mindset shift towards empathy and curiosity is required, allowing for more substantial interactions. Implementing frameworks like the 4WH (Who, What, When, Where, and How) equips individuals with tools to facilitate meaningful conversations.
Mindful Listening Techniques
Listening is an often undervalued aspect of communication that can dramatically affect team dynamics and understanding. Mindful listening involves not just hearing words but also paying attention to the emotional nuances behind them. Techniques such as breath work and intentional pauses help in focusing more effectively during conversations. By recognizing and discussing emotions during discussions, leaders can create a more open and responsive environment conducive to collaboration.
Coaching for Effective Leadership Development
Coaching is paramount in developing leadership skills, often lacking in technical fields where engineers transition into managerial roles. Engaging with a coach provides tailored feedback and accountability that are essential for personal and professional growth. Resources such as books by leadership experts can provide foundational knowledge, but the real transformation often comes from the structured guidance of a coach. Understanding the distinction between mentoring and coaching clarifies the nature of support needed for effective leadership development in a corporate context.
Today's guest is PramodaVyasarao!
Pramoda is a leadership and communication coach, he has 20+ years of experience in big tech, wrote the book “Beyond Your Limits”, and runs a course called Communication Engineering
With Pramoda, we will talk about what good communication looks like, especially for engineers and managers, how it impacted his career and the career of the leaders he helps.
Here is what we talked about:
(02:05) Introduction
(02:51) The Toastmasters Club
(07:12) Engineering Communication issues
(10:18) Communication through Pramoda's career
(13:28) The TALL framework
(19:11) Evaluation vs Information
(20:44) The TALL framework: Asking
(34:19) The GROW model
(36:18) The TALL framework: Listening
(38:05) The Path to action
(46:04) From feelings to facts
(50:38) The TALL framework: Leadership
(53:51) Get a coach!
(55:28) Mentoring vs Coaching
(58:39) Beyond your Limits: a look on Pramoda's work
Learn more about Pramoda's work: