​In my previous blog “The Talent Problem - Part I”, we discussed the high skilled worker shortage, especially in STEM field.  We also reviewed issues about why so many millennials are over-qualified for their jobs from a degree standpoint.  Part II will review the talent surplus issues related to mid-skilled workers and low-skilled workers.  Their challenges are also caused by advancement of technology but with a very different outcome. 

People who know me probably know that I am a big fan of NPR, especially Planet Money and its spin off The Indicator.  I recently heard one of The Indicator’s episodes called “Economics of A Border Wall”.  The episode was very interesting but what was even more interesting to me was the story told by the fire chief Jesus Morales. 

I heard an interesting article “Medical Detectives: The Last Hope For Families Coping With Rare Diseases” on NPR today about a four year diagnostic process for a rare disease on a pair of brothers.  This story introduced the “Undiagnosed Disease Network” and I was amazed about their efforts and successes.  It also reminds me of the challenges we face in our own work.

I used to attend local chapter meetings with our I.E. technician.  She always told me that we engineers have a very strange sense of humor that she doesn’t understand.  I argued with her that our jokes are great, we understand each other perfectly, and we are perfectly normal like everyone else.  Our conversations typically ended with her saying, “yeah right.” 
This happens in business presentations and conversations too.  I’ve seen brilliant engineers and scientists have challenges to present to a wider audience.  It happened even when their projects or careers are at stake.  Communication skills are becoming critical as projects are getting more complicated and teamwork is becoming a must.  The bright side is, there are approaches and processes to enhance our communication skills.  I will write more on this subject, but let’s focus on presentation for management this time.