Unlocking the Power of Communication: Strategies by Women in Engineering Leadership

Welcome to the fourth article in our multi-part series on "Women in Engineering Leadership," brought to you by Mouser Electronics. This series explores various facets of leadership through the lens of prominent women leaders in engineering who are paving the way toward a more inclusive industry. Each installment of this series dives into different aspects of leadership and professional development, underlining strategies, challenges, and key insights. Join us as we discuss the stories, challenges, and triumphs of women leaders redefining the engineering sector.

In engineering, where complex ideas and groundbreaking innovations come to life, effective communication unlocks the door to success. Mastering the art of clear, confident, and impactful communication has become an indispensable tool in helping our featured women leaders break down barriers and leave their mark on the industry.

But what sets their communication strategies apart? Our interviewees shared their hard-won wisdom. These battle-tested techniques include creating an inclusive environment, communicating with unwavering confidence, practicing active listening, and continuously honing their skills. In this article, we present these techniques alongside the first-hand experiences of the leaders who are rewriting the rules of engagement in engineering, one powerful conversation at a time.

Create the Right Environment 

Give Everyone a Seat at the Table

Effective leadership communication is more than information exchange; it inspires trust, fosters transparency, aligns goals, and nurtures an environment where every team member feels valued and understood. Anisha Seli, director of design evaluation engineering at Analog Devices, emphasizes, "Facilitating an inclusive atmosphere where every team member’s voice is heard and valued is crucial. This strategy enhances collaboration, sparks innovation, and bolsters resilience, paving the way for remarkable achievements.” It's our responsibility to actively include and create opportunities for women and minorities, ensuring that everyone has a place at the table.

Share your Personality in the Way you Communicate

Shari Begun, VP of worldwide IoT sales at Renesas Electronics, reveals another strategy for effective communication: "When I became a frontline manager, and I gave more presentations, I learned I needed to share my personality in those meetings. My credibility was there, but early on, I missed opportunities to be my authentic self." Showing her personality was critical to her success as an effective communicator. Begun heard a memorable variation of this idea from an executive coach: "You can't have a split personality—one at work and another at home. You must show up as your true self in all aspects of life." Embracing this advice was pivotal to her success as a communicator and leader.

Communicate with Confidence

Be Direct 

While communication styles vary, Mitra Tayareh, director of application design engineering at MACOM, believes nothing beats direct communication. “For women in male-dominated fields, clarity and effective communication are absolutely essential," Tayareh stressed. "Whenever possible, opt for face-to-face conversations to deliver your message proficiently.” 

For women in male-dominated fields, clarity and effective communication are absolutely essential" -Mitra Tayareh

Own your Ideas

Many women easily fall into the modesty trap and don't take credit for their work. Cindy Cui, director of software solutions at Keysight Technologies, understands this and tries to combat it. "I always own my idea," says Cui. “Too often, as women, we try to be nice or modest. We may include unnecessary details in our conversation. I do the opposite because I know what I'm talking about and want to convey the message clearly and succinctly.” 

Put Facts into a Sentence and Avoid Using the Words "I Believe"

Jane Yun, principal system architect at TE Connectivity, explains you can be simultaneously confident and humble: "I have a humbler style of communication—I'm confident, but I want to leave a certain space for other people as well." Achieving this balance is difficult, but excluding terms that undermine your credibility improves your communication. For Yun, "When I speak, I put the facts into a sentence. I avoid phrases like 'I believe' and instead draw on my knowledge about the subject."

Practice Active Listening

Look for the Real Intent behind Every Message

For many of us, listening to the words and tone of a conversation conveys a lot. But sometimes, the real message is still hidden. As a leader, listening to each team member or getting to know their communication style may be complex. But as Jacqueline Olson, head of Americas Automotive Sales at Wolfspeed, points out, looking for the real intent behind every message is imperative: "Listening is key to benefiting from diverse opinions. You can find real value in the message when you truly understand what they are trying to communicate."

Summarize What You Hear to Get Better Clarification

Tori Foust, director of project management at Samtec, shared another key lesson from her studies on effective communication. “When I’m listening to someone, I try to first summarize what they’re saying,” says Foust. Then, she responds with an action plan or a response to the message. With clarification up front, she can ensure that she understands what’s being communicated and tailor her response to be more productive.

Effective Communication Doesn’t Always Mean Being More Assertive

Esugasini Subramaniam, director of supply chain and engineering at Micron Technology, recommends avoiding a victim mentality. "Early in my career, I believed that women needed to be additionally assertive in their roles. Where a man would say five words, I needed to say twenty words to make things happen," says Subramaniam. "But then I realized that it put me in the victim mentality. Effective communication and the right level of assertiveness go hand in hand." She suggests trying to stop yourself after you've delivered your initial message; overexplaining doesn't make your message more effective. 

Keep Working on Yourself

Determine Your Weak Areas and Work to Improve Them

To be a more effective leader, spend time exploring what areas of communication you need to improve. Foust shares that taking tests and courses helps you see your blind spots. “I’ve taken tests to discover my strengths and weaknesses. I need to know how my brain processes information,” says Foust. “I’ve taken several courses over my career to help improve weaknesses, hold better meetings, and practice conducting difficult conversations with role-playing.” 

Don’t Let Unconscious Bias Take Over

To be an effective communicator, Subramaniam recommends leaving personal biases aside: “You need to make sure you don’t let unconscious bias kick in during crucial conversations. It’s important to teach yourself to be open and not react to differences in perspectives." For many, that means being present, focusing on the words and message of the person with whom you're speaking, and asking for clarification. For others, that can mean reviewing messages and communication from a factual point of view, leaving past experiences at the door, and making more room for openness.  

Conclusion

In this article on effective communication in engineering, the lessons shared by our featured women leaders highlight the power of authenticity, clarity, and personal interaction in fostering successful outcomes. As we wrap up this discussion, here are the essential strategies to remember:

• Use Your Personality: Communicate with authenticity by letting your true self shine through in professional settings. This enhances trust and relatability.

• Focus on Facts: Avoid diminishing your message with qualifiers like "I believe." Instead, state your ideas confidently and back them with facts.

• Prefer Direct Communication: Opt for phone calls or face-to-face meetings whenever possible to reduce the risks of miscommunication inherent in digital exchanges.

Adopting these communication strategies can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a leader, ensuring that your ideas are not only heard but also respected and acted upon.

This article was initially published in "Women in Engineering Leadership: Advices and Best Practices for New Leaders," an e-magazine by Mouser Electronics and IEEE Women in Engineering Society. It has been substantially edited by the Wevolver team and Ravi Y Rao for publication on Wevolver. Upcoming articles will explore various aspects of leadership and best practices for new women leaders in the engineering field.