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Is Conflict Always Bad? The Answer May Surprise You

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This is a blog by Jeff Perry, MBA

conflictMost of us, when we think about conflict, consider it a bad thing we should avoid. That’s not exactly true.

The right kind of conflict can actually build trust and increase performance in teams! In fact, I would say that one of the best indicators of a team that trusts each other is the amount of conflict in the team.

Positive, healthy conflict happens when we can challenge each other in real ways, be open and honest, and collaborate more effectively.

conflict

Disagreements Are Normal and Should Be Encouraged

There is no situation or team that is going to sail through all projects and tasks without ever disagreeing with each other. Yet one of the things that can build divisions and trouble in a teams faster than anything is when people don’t feel heard and able to express disagreements, especially with leaders.

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TECC 233: Developing Soft Skills for a Successful Career in Engineering

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Developing Soft SkillsIn this episode, our new host, Jeff Perry, MBA talks to Dennis Doran, a leading expert in the construction industry with more than 30 years of experience, and the author of the highly praised book, Soft as Steel,  about the importance of valuing and developing soft skills to build relationships and succeed in business and life.

Engineering Quotes:

Developing Soft Skills

Developing Soft Skills

Here Are the Key Points Discussed on the Power of Passion for Your Profession:

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TECC 179: Practical Strategies You Can Use for Productively Dealing with Conflict

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Dealing with ConflictIn this episode I talk with Dana Caspersen, conflict specialist, speaker and author of the book: Changing the Conversation: the 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution. During the interview, Dana outlines very practical strategies that you can use when dealing with conflict.

Engineering Quotes:

Dealing with Conflict

Dealing with Conflict

Here are the 3 principles that Dana Caspersen discusses in regards to dealing with conflict:

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3 Things You Need to Know to Engineer Resolution

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Engineer ResolutionOne thing that is certain to happen in your engineering career is conflict.  This isn’t because the engineering profession is more prone to conflict than accounting or that engineers tend to be a contentious lot.  It’s because, as in any profession, you’ll find people.  Wherever there are people you will find conflict.  Because of this, it’s important to develop a basic understanding of the three things you need to know to engineer resolution.

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TCEP 074: How to Communicate Effectively on Civil Engineering Projects

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How to Communicate Effectively on Civil Engineering Projects

Civil Engineering ProjectsIn episode 074 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk with Steve Soldati, PE about how to communicate effectively on civil engineering projects.

Here are some of the questions I ask Steve about communicating effectively on civil engineering projects :

  • Why is communication important for engineering professionals?
  • What are some things you have done to improve your skills?
  • Are there any tools that you use or recommend to improve/streamline communications?
  • Can you give examples of positive/negative communication instances in your career?
  • Talk about team communication early in project development.
  • Tell us about conflict resolution within a team.

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Projects

Civil Engineering Projects

Here are some key points discussed in this episode:

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Dealing with Engineering Clients Going Over Your Head – Engineering Career TV Ep. 23

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Q: How can I deal with engineering clients going over my head?

Welcome to Episode #23 of Engineering Career TV. The topic for this episode is dealing with engineering clients going over your head. 

I will spend most of the Engineering Career TV episodes answering questions that have been submitted from engineers around the world on how to rapidly advance their careers and live the lives they want to live.

You can submit questions for the show by clicking here.

Let’s jump into today’s topic: dealing with engineering clients going over your head, which is based on a question from Al, who asks the following: [Read more…] about Dealing with Engineering Clients Going Over Your Head – Engineering Career TV Ep. 23

TCEP 026: How to Resolve Conflict In Civil Engineering Projects Through Mediation

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The Civil Engineering Podcast

 

In episode 026 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, Chris Knutson, PE interviews a successful attorney and mediator, Ken Strongman on the basics of mediation and dives in on a couple of items associated with preparation for mediation and what to expect during the mediation process as an engineer.

Here are some of the questions asked in this episode:

  • What is mediation
  • How many parties can participate in mediation
  • What does the environment look like in a mediation
  • Who chooses the mediator
  • What are the qualities of a good mediator

Quotes to think about:

TCEP Ep26 quote1

Here are some key points discussed in this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast:

  • Mediation is the process of resolving conflicts.
  • Almost all professional service contracts have clauses for mediation

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