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TCEP 146: What Does Hostage Negotiation Have to Do With Consulting Engineers?

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Hostage NegotiationIn this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Dan Oblinger about hostage negotiation. Dan explains how hostage negotiation fits into consulting engineering and also provides five specific ways that engineering firms should look at to evaluate their negotiation and communication abilities.

Engineering Quotes:

Hostage Negotiation

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dan:

  • With the current situation in the United States, is it a challenge for you to go to work every day?
  • Can you talk to us about how you got into consulting with engineers and how you went to some AE companies and pitched the idea of negotiation to them?
  • What should civil engineering consultants look for to evaluate their negotiation and communication abilities?
  • Do you have a framework in your day-to-day hostage negotiations?
  • Are there specific strategies that you use in your negotiations?
  • Is there a challenging situation that you dealt with that you are open to sharing with our listeners?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Negotiation Culture in Your Civil Engineering Practice:

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How to Support Women in Your Workplace

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 This is a guest blog by Holly Welles

Support WomenIn the engineering industry, only 13% of professionals are women. Moreover, only 30% of women who earned a bachelor’s in engineering remain in the field for more than 20 years. Often, workplace culture, a lack of appreciation for their skills, and gender discrimination, in general, drive them away from the industry. This is a detriment to the engineering world as the industry’s workplace diversity dwindles. In addition, it negatively impacts female engineers. 

Engineering is a swiftly growing industry that promises excellent pay, good benefits, and the chance to make a difference in the world. From green building to virtual reality, the industry continues to shift and transform with technology. Women deserve as much of a chance to establish a fulfilling career in this exciting field. However, if female engineers are to persist in their field, they need the support of their employers and coworkers. Here is how you can support women in your workplace:

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TCEP 095: Office Layout and How It Impacts Productivity and Culture

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Office LayoutIn episode 095 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I am bringing you with me to the offices of Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE) to sit down with Senior Partner Peter Deming and myself. We will be talking about the importance of your physical office layout and how it impacts productivity and culture.  This is a topic you might not consider as important until you hear Peter discuss it.

Here are some of the questions I ask Peter Deming:

  • How did you decide how to setup the people throughout your office?
  • Can you talk about the importance of the library and the locker room that you have at your offices?
  • What comes to mind when I say the word “culture”?
  • How did you get to the point where you wanted to drive change in your career?

Engineering Quotes:

Office Layout

Here are some key points discussed in this episode on the impact of office layout and culture:

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TCEP 088: Growing a Civil Engineering Company from the Ground up with Stephen Morse

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Civil Engineering CompanyIn episode 88 of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk with Stephen Morse, PE, LEED AP from Grant Engineering about growing a civil engineering company from the ground up. Stephen talks about the process he went through in growing his company from starting out in his apartment to now having a growing office in New York City.

Here are some of the questions I ask Stephen:

  • What made you decide to start your own civil engineering company?
  • Tell us about your experience of hiring your first employee.
  • What types of projects are you currently working on, and what is your involvement in those projects?
  • How many employees does Grant Engineering have?
  • Can you explain what the organization: “Engineers Without Borders” is?
  • What would you say to a civil engineer that might consider starting their own civil engineering company?

Engineering Quotes:

Civil Engineering Company

Civil Engineering Company

Here are some key points discussed on growing a civil engineering company:

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TECC 106: Building Culture Into Your Engineering Firm Versus Bolting It On

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engineering firm

In this episode, Chris Knutson, PE interviews organizational culture expert and success coach Carol Ring on how company culture drives employee engagement and business. Carol also gives us a better perspective on how engineer leaders or members of project teams can help shape the culture of their engineering firms and improve results overall.

Engineering Success quotes:

engineering firm

engineering firm

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