The importance of COMMUNICATION. Why is communication important? Communication is everything!

Summary

In this video, Igor Felipe addresses a critical issue in both engineering and society: communication. He highlights the importance of effective communication, not just for presenting ideas but for truly being understood. Drawing on an example from multidisciplinary engineering, Igor emphasizes that the success of projects relies on the seamless flow of information between different fields. He calls for a shift in how we communicate, urging people to listen, ask questions, and improve communication skills daily. Igor shares his own growth in this area, stressing that communication is an art that requires constant refinement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Effective communication is a critical skill, not just for engineers, but for everyone in society.
• 😀 Lack of communication is identified as one of the biggest problems in both engineering projects and society as a whole.
• 😀 Communication failures are not only about the absence of communication, but also about struggling to express ideas clearly and understand others.
• 😀 Research from the Project Management Institute (PMI) shows that poor communication is a major challenge in over 400 companies.
• 😀 A manager's most essential skill is communication, even more important than leadership abilities.
• 😀 Communication is about more than just talking; it's about being understood, engaging in discussions, and listening effectively.
• 😀 Multidisciplinary engineering highlights the importance of communication between different fields like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
• 😀 Projects require interconnection between various engineering fields, and communication is the key that binds them together.
• 😀 It's essential to talk, ask questions, share ideas, and involve colleagues in problem-solving discussions.
• 😀 Society at large suffers from a lack of willingness to listen, particularly when others' ideas clash with our own.
• 😀 Improving communication is a continual process, and it's important to embrace learning and improvement every day.

Q & A

What is the central issue discussed in the video?

The central issue discussed in the video is the lack of effective communication, particularly in engineering and society. The speaker emphasizes how this problem impacts both project management and daily interactions.

Why does the speaker consider communication a critical skill for managers and leaders?

The speaker highlights that, according to a survey by PM Survey, the primary problem in companies is poor communication. For managers and leaders, communication is a foundational skill, often more important than leadership skills, because it helps ensure understanding and alignment within teams.

What is meant by the term 'multidisciplinary engineering' in the context of the video?

Multidisciplinary engineering refers to the collaboration between different engineering disciplines (such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering). The speaker stresses that effective communication is necessary for these disciplines to work together seamlessly, especially when their outputs need to be interconnected in a project.

How does the speaker suggest improving communication in engineering?

The speaker suggests that engineers should actively communicate with colleagues from different disciplines, ask questions when in doubt, involve everyone in discussions, and, importantly, learn how to listen to others’ ideas and perspectives.

What broader societal issue does the speaker connect the communication problem to?

The speaker connects the communication problem to a broader societal issue, where individuals often struggle to both express their own viewpoints and listen to opposing ones. This issue leads to a lack of understanding and empathy in social interactions.

How does the speaker illustrate the importance of communication through personal experience?

The speaker uses their own experience with creating videos as an example. Initially nervous and shy, they gradually improved their ability to communicate over time. This personal growth reflects how anyone can improve their communication skills with practice.

What is the key takeaway message from the video?

The key takeaway is the importance of knowing how to communicate effectively. Whether through speaking, writing, asking questions, or listening, communication is a skill that should be constantly improved and practiced.

What role does listening play in effective communication, according to the speaker?

Listening plays a crucial role in effective communication, as it helps individuals understand others' perspectives, fosters collaboration, and prevents misunderstandings. The speaker emphasizes that knowing how to listen is just as important as knowing how to speak.

What kind of change does the speaker hope for in the way communication is approached?

The speaker hopes for a change where individuals prioritize communication and actively work to improve their skills. This involves both better expression and a willingness to understand others, which can lead to more effective collaboration and societal progress.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the fear or difficulty of communicating?

The speaker suggests that overcoming the fear or difficulty of communication comes with practice. By continuously challenging oneself to communicate more and improve, individuals can gradually become better, just as the speaker improved over time.