Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals [Paperback]

Harry E. Chambers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2000

Flatter, more collaborative organizational structures, combined with the pressure to translate innovative ideas into action quickly, are increasing the need by technical professionals-such as computer programmers, design specialists, engineers, and R&D scientists-to expand their repertoire of communication and managerial skills. In this highly accessible and practical book, Harry Chambers offers a wealth of strategies and tactics for building these skills, to the benefit of individuals, teams, and companies. In his trademark shoot-from-the-hip style, Chambers identifies specific real-world challenges that technical professionals face in the workplace, and offers definitive guidelines for enhancing their communication skills-from making presentations to giving and receiving criticism to navigating office politics. Featuring interviews with people in the trenches, as well as self-assessment tools and exercises, Effective Communication Skills will become a valued resource for technical professionals and their colleagues, trainers, and HR departments in all industries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Harry Chambers is President of Trinity Solutions, Inc., an Atlanta-area consulting and training firm specializing in leadership, team coaching and building, and organizational development. He is the co-author of No Fear Management: Rebuilding Trust, Performance, and Commitment in the New American Workplace and The Bad Attitude Survival Guide, named one of the 30 best business books of 1998 by Soundview Executive Book Summaries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (December 26, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738202878
• ISBN-13: 978-0738202877
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #875,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even rocket scientists have to communicate clearly, December 11, 2001

By 

Bill Lampton, Ph.D. "Speech Coach for Champions" (Gainesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals (Paperback)

While dealing with scientific and technical professionals (STPs, he labels them) during his management career, Harry Chambers recognized that many of his colleagues were not able to share their expertise clearly enough, whether they were writing and speaking to their counterparts, or whether they were addressing people beyond their areas. So he wrote this book as a guideline for the STPs. I applaud Chambers' writing style--competent enough to please an educated audience, yet folksy enough to illustrate that stuffiness isn't required for explaining complicated ideas. The book underscores the widely accepted observation that people who get promoted because of their expertise may score very poorly when they try to manage a team. To equip STPs for management, Chambers offers advice about how to relate well to your boss, develop listening skills, serve customers, direct meetings, give and receive critism, and other vital topics. As a former university faculty member, I vote for placing this book in every campus library, and making it required reading for those pursuing the B.S. degree. To STPs who have their degrees already, I suggest that Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals merits your close study. Although Chambers admits that "becoming a highly skilled communicator is not easy," this book makes the assignment easier.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars STP Book, April 19, 2004

By 

Geoffrey Gallegher (Ashville, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals (Paperback)

In the past, I always believed I was a good communicator, yet many times I would get a "look" from others that told me they were not with me. So, I purchased the Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical People. Since I am a computer programmer and frequently find myself in situations that need very clear instruction this book fit right into my needs. It was great! What I learned cannot be counted in monetary value and I know that I will continue to use the techniques in my everyday enounters with my peers as well as on a personal level. Thank you Mr. Chambers for your insight and direction.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid Content, April 5, 2007

By 

Randy Bancino "Profitable Growth Partners" (Grand Rapids, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Effective Communication Skills for Scientific and Technical Professionals (Paperback)

Mr. Chambers has put together a practical book that dissects many of the basic concepts of communication, and provides some insights about technical professionals. While I don't agree with all his points and believe he tends to over-generalize, the content is solid and easy to understand. For any technical professional looking to increase their overall mastery of soft skills, I would recommend they go beyond this book and find a good set of workshops that allow for testing and practicing the types of concepts outlined.