Are you going to watch the Olympics?

World records are about to be broken… Are there any engineers behind the athletes?

You want to improve your level of collaboration and innovation at work… Are you deeply connected with your teammates? 

You want to be a better leader… Are you leading yourself?

These are some of the thoughts and ideas you’re about to uncover in today’s newsletter!

In today’s newsletter:

• How technology plays a part in elite sports

• The power of connection at work

• We are all “good inside”

• Hot jobs

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MUST-READ

Engineering at the Olympics

The 2024 Olympics begin in Paris this week. I have always loved the Olympics.

The competitiveness, grit, determination, and training that have allowed athletes to reach this level of success in their sports for years are inspiring.

And while human accomplishments are amazing and important to look at, let’s not forget the impact engineering has on these sports. 

Maybe it’s engineers who are responsible for some of the latest world records!

You can look at just about every sport, but let’s just consider shoes in the running sports for a moment:

• Some shoes now use carbon fiber plates that help runners launch faster with each step.

• Some shoes use foam that can return up to 85% of energy instead of just absorbing it, resulting in less energy loss.

• New materials make shoes lighter without sacrificing performance, allowing runners to be literally lighter on their feet.

• Some believe that the shoes alone provide an elite runner with as much as four minutes over a marathon—that’s amazing!

Because of these advancements, a LOT of racing records have been broken in the last few years.

So when you see a record broken… maybe an engineer helped to make that happen!

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CAREER TIPS

The Transformative Power of Human Connection in the Workplace

Human connection is not merely a soft concept; it is a critical determinant of success within engineering and technical teams. 

Want a high level of trust, collaboration, and productivity? Connection among and within teams is non-negotiable.

Building Trust through Connection

Regardless of titles or positions, trust is not automatically conferred; it is earned through genuine relationships. The foundation of trust lies in the connections we establish with one another. To cultivate trust, we must first extend trust by seeking to understand and empathize with our colleagues. This involves recognizing their strengths, aspirations, challenges, and goals, thereby fostering a sense of mutual understanding and respect.

Creating a Culture of Collaboration and Innovation

Connection lays the groundwork for collaboration and innovation within teams. When team members feel seen, heard, and understood, they are more likely to collaborate openly and creatively. Leaders play a pivotal role in leveraging these connections to unlock the full potential of their teams. By understanding the unique talents and perspectives of team members, leaders can effectively allocate resources and foster an environment conducive to innovation and growth.

The Economic Imperative of Connection

Beyond its interpersonal benefits, connection carries significant economic implications. Studies (such as this one from the US Surgeon General) have shown that stress-related absenteeism, often stemming from feelings of loneliness and disconnection, costs employers billions of dollars annually.

Moreover, disengaged employees who lack meaningful connections are less productive and innovative, further exacerbating these economic losses. Thus, prioritizing connection within organizations is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in productivity and profitability.

Human connection is not just a nicety, but a necessity for engineering and technical teams striving to excel in today's competitive landscape. By fostering genuine connections based on trust, understanding, and empathy, teams can unlock their full potential and drive innovation and engagement.

As leaders (no matter our title), it is our responsibility to cultivate a culture of connection that empowers individuals to thrive and collaborate effectively. In doing so, we not only enhance the well-being of our teams but also position our organizations for sustained success in the ever-evolving world of engineering and technology.

 HOT JOBS OF THE WEEK

> Staff/Sr. Staff DevOps Engineer at SciTec (Apply)

> Senior Software Engineer at ASML (Apply)

> Test Engineer - 1006 at Reinventing Geospatial, Inc. (Apply)

> Senior Software Engineer at Cinteot (Apply)

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📚 BOOK RECOMMENDATION

Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy

I know, I know, it’s weird that I’m sharing a parenting book in an engineering newsletter. 

But here’s the thing - I think some of the BEST leadership books are parenting books. And while this book is about leading and connecting with kids, it’s also about leading yourself. I was amazed by how many personal insights came up as I listened to this book, and it’ll be one I go back to again.

Even the main idea from the title, Good Inside, is powerful. That applies to kids, your coworkers, and you. 

All of us are inherently good inside. 

Seeing and believing that about ourselves and everyone around us can transform how we show up for each other.

See the good. It makes a difference.