By Andy Walker

Good communications and the need for engineers to raise their game in this area is a common theme at this year’s FIDIC conference. SUZANNE STEVENS, president and founder of Canadian communications consultancy Ignite Excellence and a speaker at the conference, took time out to answer a few questions from ACE.

Why are you speaking at this conference?

This is an industry undergoing change in a number of areas and having worked with engineers in the past we know that they are receptive to change. We can help people in improving their communications to win business and also after they have won projects to assist them in better communications with their clients. So, we are committed to this industry.

That’s an interesting question. Some people would say that engineers are poor communicators but I’m not sure that I would necessarily agree with that. They may be shy but they are not alone amongst professionals in having that trait. Are they better or worse than other professionals? Again, a difficult one. What I do know is that we have worked with many engineers on improving their communications skills with great success.

How can professionals improve their communications skills, given that many have spent many years not improving them?

There are three groups to target here. Programme leaders and trainers, who need to understand why they need to better communicate and need to understand the industry. Organisations need to instill a culture of communication. They have to want to become better communicators and make it a philosophy at all levels. We can then reinforce that by constant contact and follow up. Most importantly, the individual themselves needs to be open minded and a life-long learner. It is important to convince people why they need to become a good communicator. FIDIC is recognising this at this conference so delegates can take away the ‘why’ and make it practical.

What in your experience is the biggest barrier to good communications for businesses?

Often it is simply that people don’t know how to do it or why to do it. Technology is not the answer. It is an aid not a substitute for face to face and verbal communication. Resorting to email all the time can create mixed messages. Use it sparingly as an accompaniment to good communications not as a substitute.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Someone who practices what they preach and who is first in line to demonstrate these competencies. In our experience the drive for improved communications starts from the bottom or the middle of organisations. Good leaders are ahead of the game and not only practice what they preach they also communicate the aims of the organization so people at all levels know what they are doing. It’s not enough to just be doing your job, you have to see the bigger picture.

Who is your role model communicator? And why?

Two very different people for different reasons. Bill Clinton as a presenter and the clear and polished way in which he comes across to people. Mother Theresa for her understated approach and her ability to get the job done.

Can you sum up what Ignite Excellence does in one sentence?

We influence, we differentiate and we energise so our clients can influence, differentiate and energise.

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'Conference comments'

UK delegates to the conference give their reaction on how it was for them so far . . .

"I was impressed by the speakers at the ethics and integrity seminar and also the vocal comments from the floor on the importance to society of the need to stamp out corruption and bad practice. The discussion followed on well from John Ralston Saul's philosophising on the importance of engineers promoting citizenship".
Kevin Corbett, Group Legal Director, Faber Maunsell

"John Ralston Saul's comments on the need for engineers to get closer to and understand the needs of society and to take a leading role in responding to global challenges hit a real chord with the delegates."
Gavin English, Managing Director, WSP (MC) International