In this episode, we talk to Tony Chatman, speaker, author, and corporate relationship expert who has been helping organizations achieve their goals through listening and leadership about how engineers can define and tackle problems in a corporate setting, and the crucial role of listening in effective corporate problem-solving. He also talks about his book, “The Force Multiplier,” and how engineering leaders can use it to transform their teams into high-performing units.
***You can view the video version of this episode here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Art of Listening and Unlocking Corporate Problem-Solving Success:
- People at work desire to be seen, as it leads to increased engagement and productivity. When individuals feel valued and acknowledged by their organization and managers, they are more likely to care and contribute. A survey by Mackenzie revealed that a significant percentage of employees left their jobs in 2022 because they didn’t feel seen or valued. Creating a culture where people feel seen yields remarkable outcomes.
- The disconnect between individuals in corporate roles feeling unseen and undervalued often occurs due to the overshadowing of the human dimension by job demands and corporate culture. Many leaders lack proper training and preparation for their managerial roles, leading to a focus on tasks rather than people. This lack of self-reflection and blaming others for leadership shortcomings can further dehumanize employees and hinder their growth and overall success.
- In a corporate setting, prioritize addressing people problems that create a toxic environment, impacting productivity, processes, or turnover, to cultivate mutual respect and collaboration for effective teamwork.
- When measuring the impact of addressing people problems, key indicators of change include increased productivity, reduced time loss, decreased formal complaints, and lower turnover rates. While quantifying engagement can be challenging, surveys provide valuable insights, such as Gallup’s employee engagement data, which hovers around 34-37%.
- Active listening plays a vital role in addressing conflicts and identifying organizational problems early on, allowing leaders to uncover underlying issues, gain valuable insights, and take proactive measures to maintain a healthy and effective work environment.
- Safety and addressing power dynamics are vital for creating an open environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns and providing valuable insights.
- “The Force Multiplier” emphasizes the concept of leadership as a force multiplier, where leaders bring out the best in others and enhance their performance. It focuses on foundational principles and practical guidance for effective leadership at all levels, aiming to equip leaders with essential skills such as understanding personalities, delegation, and leading with impact.
More in This Episode…
In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Tony talks about the importance of recognizing and humanizing every interaction with employees.
About the Guest, Tony Chatman
Where there are people, there are problems. Tony Chatman turns problems into progress. As a corporate relationship expert, Tony destroys the dysfunction that burns out executives, frustrates staff, and ultimately stalls success. His strategies for understanding people and processes enable organizations to achieve their goals through listening and leadership.
The Tony Chatman Experience [TCeX] delivers presentations that are an entertaining and impassioned balance of both science and practical insight. Tony breaks down tough topics such as change management, teamwork, and unconscious bias. He creates a new, stronger foundation for true leadership. Audiences leave focused and motivated to turn individual differences into business advantages.
Tony, a trained chemical engineer, captures the magic reaction that sparks when disparate elements work together. Add to that formula a powerful stage presence from years of playing bass guitar, and Tony is sure to connect with his audience in every entertaining and insightful engagement.
Since 2006, hundreds of corporations and government agencies have leveraged the Tony Chatman Experience to reach new heights of effectiveness by understanding themselves and others better.
His 2017 book, “The Force Multiplier,” is a touchstone to inspire leaders to transform people (and their personalities!) into a high-performing team that gets the job done.
Learn more at https://tonychatman.com/.
About the Host, Jeff Perry, MBA
Jeff Perry is a leadership/career coach for engineers, building mindsets, leadership, and career intentions to unlock hidden potential and remove self-imposed roadblocks for career and life. For years, he has had the pleasure of supporting engineers and software pros, from new grads to director level. Having been on the front lines in the technical world, he has been able to map out the necessary skills for becoming a quality leader in the field.
You can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcperry/ or visit his website, https://morethan-engineering.com. Jeff also has a new, FREE, on-demand training course for engineers who are job searching or in job transitions. You can see it at https://engineeringcareeraccelerator.com.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Visit the Tony Chatman Website
Connect with Tony Chatman on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by SFPE
Working to engineer a fire-safe world since 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the world’s leading professional society for fire protection and fire safety engineering. Comprised of more than 5,100 members (and growing), SFPE publishes technical resources and hosts live/on-demand education programs to provide engineers with the knowledge to protect people, structures, and communities from fire. To help engineers prepare for each year’s Principles and Practice of Engineering P.E. Fire Protection Exam, SFPE has developed an 18-week review course that focuses on the fundamentals of fire protection engineering while preparing candidates to think critically, adapt to the exam, and be successful professional engineers. Learn more at sfpe.org/2023peexamreview.
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