Here's how you can cultivate assertiveness and confidence as a structural engineer in the workplace.
Assertiveness and confidence are crucial qualities for success in any field, especially in structural engineering, where the safety and integrity of structures depend on your expertise. As a structural engineer, cultivating these traits not only benefits your personal development but also ensures that you effectively communicate your technical insights and stand by your professional judgments. This article will guide you through practical ways to enhance your assertiveness and confidence, enabling you to thrive in the workplace and contribute to the creation of sound and safe structures.
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Muhammad Khizar BarakzaiResearcher, PMP®, MEng, BEng
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Samuel OyarekhuaCivil/Structural Engineer |Project Manager |Machine Learning |Data analyst | Digital And Parametric Design
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Gabriel Macaulay (GMIStructE) 🇳🇬 🇬🇧Member, Humanitarian & International Development Panel, IStructE. Net Zero enthusiast. Climate Actions advocate. All…
To be assertive and confident in the workplace, you must first have a solid foundation of knowledge in structural engineering. This means staying up-to-date with the latest design codes, understanding material properties, and mastering analysis techniques. Confidence often stems from knowing that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about your field. Take the time to continually learn and challenge yourself with new projects or problems. This will not only improve your skills but also give you the assurance needed to assert your professional opinions with confidence.
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Assertiveness and confidence are crucial traits for a structural engineer, influencing how you are perceived by your colleagues and how effectively you can perform your role. Developing these traits involves a combination of personal development, professional learning, and practical experience. By focusing on clear communication, technical proficiency, professional networking, and confident decision-making, you can significantly enhance your assertiveness and become a more effective engineer.
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There is confidence that comes with having a perfect knowledge of the topic you are to discuss. When you are certain about the design, you will be rest assured that you can answer any queries raised and clarifications required. It is a good practice to dedicate good amount of time to studying text, learn the science and how the acceptable way of applying it. As a structural engineer, please embrace the knowledge of behaviour of structures. Know how to predict the deflection shape of a structure, the shear force and bending moment diagram. Knowledge brings confidence.
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Confía en tus habilidades y conocimientos: Reconoce tus logros y confía en tu capacidad para resolver problemas. No temas compartir tus ideas y soluciones con confianza. Desarrolla habilidades de resolución de conflictos: Aprende a manejar desacuerdos de manera asertiva y sin agresividad. Busca soluciones colaborativas que beneficien a todos. Participa en actividades de desarrollo profesional: Asistir a conferencias, talleres y cursos te ayudará a ampliar tus habilidades y conocimientos. La confianza aumenta cuando te sientes competente en tu campo.
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A structural engineer can cultivate assertiveness and confidence by actively seeking out challenging projects, taking ownership of their work, and engaging in continuous learning and professional development. Building strong relationships with colleagues and mentors can provide valuable support and feedback. Additionally, practicing effective communication, setting boundaries, and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth can help them assert themselves confidently in the workplace.
One of the key aspects of being assertive is the ability to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. As a structural engineer, it's essential that you speak up during meetings and discussions, especially when safety is concerned. Practice articulating your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Remember, your input can have a significant impact on the outcome of a project. By sharing your insights, you not only demonstrate your expertise but also build your reputation as a confident and reliable professional.
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Whenever you communicate effectively you are able to gain support for your points and earn the respect of coworkers in addition to ensuring that nothing is allowed to slide for being timid and not wanting to speak up. Also, you speaking up could help the business save some cost, time on the project in addition to saving lives and safeguarding against economic losses. Plan what you want to talk about. Learning how to sell your points in a convincing manner - it is an art! Effective communication is one of the skills needed to excel in the field of structural engineering.
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In my opinion, determination or success in career, work, or projects is always an attribute of life. - You need eyes to see problems, - you need ears to listen to information, - you need hands to grasp existing physical information, - you have a head to store experience and Think about the target results and come up with immediate and effective solutions. Assertiveness requires you to fulfill all of the above
Embracing feedback is essential for professional growth. As a structural engineer, seeking input from peers and superiors can help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive criticism should not be seen as a setback but as an opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge base. By actively asking for feedback and showing that you can apply it constructively, you exhibit both assertiveness and a commitment to excellence in your work.
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Na minha experiência em campo,sempre onde houveram situações em que precisei de uma análise bem mais profunda sobre o tema ou cases em que outros colegas tiveram a mesma situação,procuro os mesmos para ouvir relatos e alternativas de soluções (debate).Acho extremamente válido e todo o profissional deve ter feedback junto a outros,pois traz amplo crescimento e agrega valor ao nosso desempenho.
Assertiveness also involves setting clear boundaries and saying no when necessary. In the context of structural engineering, this might mean pushing back against unrealistic deadlines or project scopes that could compromise the integrity of your work. Establishing boundaries helps protect your professional standards and ensures that you do not overcommit yourself. This level of assertiveness not only safeguards the quality of your work but also commands respect from colleagues and clients alike.
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To establish yourself as a professional, you must learn to set boundaries. First, you should understand the rigours of your duties and the time required to complete any specific task. With this information, you would be clear about the deadline to give on every task and you would not overcommit yourself. In addition, you have to "know your stuff". Get the necessary technical expertise to advise otherwise in case you're being pushed to compromise safety in design. Whenever sharp practise is advised (or suggested) owing ignorance or cravings for undue cost reduction by non technical stakeholders, make sure you don't shift ground on safety as you're a public steward. Soon you would be respected for your good professional ethics.
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No mercado de trabalho,assim como em trabalhos que surgem esporadicamente,estamos sujeitos a conviver com outros profissionais de outras áreas que não possuem o mesmo expertise que o nosso e portanto não precisamos que ninguém venha nos dizer ou manipular para que façamos algo errado,com consequências a nós mesmos,pois tudo o que assinamos é de EXTREMA RESPONSABILIDADE NOSSA e não de outros.
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I agree with this point of view. In reality, I have encountered cases where architects only come up with ideas based on personal preferences and whims but with insufficient practical experience, architectural ideas do not bring practical stability, Decisively refuse and oppose from the beginning to avoid wasting time on useless structural calculations. Remember that an engineer can be an architect, but it is very difficult for an architect to be an engineer and it is always contradictory in demanding unimaginably lofty ideas.
Confidence and assertiveness are often bolstered by strong professional relationships. Networking with other structural engineers and industry professionals can provide support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. By engaging with others in your field, you gain different perspectives and insights that can enhance your own understanding and approach to problems. These relationships can also provide a platform for you to assert your ideas and gain confidence through positive reinforcement.
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A troca de informações entre as partes envolvidas é essencial para que o Projeto Estrutural ou sua execução tenham a melhor assertividade possível.Sempre devemos estar em comunicação,discutindo novas formas de soluções,debatendo novos tipos de materiais ou novas técnicas de execução trazidas de outro pais,por exemplo,para juntos,podermos nos ajudar futuramente com novas demandas.O trabalho em parceria e grupos,pode ajudar muito nesse quesito.
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I agree with this point of view. Structure is a broad category of many types of structures, especially non-theoretical structures and new technology models that are not yet available in books, requiring you to discuss with experts in each field to work together. each other complete the common calculation.
Finally, taking on leadership roles can significantly boost your assertiveness and confidence. Whether it's leading a project team or mentoring junior engineers, being in a position of responsibility requires you to make decisions and stand by them. Leadership experience will challenge you to develop these traits and provide you with the confidence that comes from successfully guiding others. Remember, every leader was once a follower, and with each step, you're building the assertive confidence that marks a true professional in structural engineering.
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Esse é o grande momento.Para que isso aconteça,o profissional,além de dominar todas as técnicas de como é elaborado um PROJETO ESTRUTURAL,ele deve ter um conhecimento pleno e muita segurança,para poder passar esses conceitos para futuros colegas ou principalmente decisões corretas em situações de campo.
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