Improving Communication and the Workplace with Meagan Pollock (A Chat with Cross-Functional Experts)

Communication challenges in engineering? Dianna Deeney interviews Dr. Meagan Pollock about improving communication and the workplace. They explore how improving communication within cross-functional teams involves active listening, continuous learning, and adapting communication styles to create a more inclusive and productive environment.

This interview is part of our series, “A Chat with Cross Functional Experts”.

About Meagan

Dr. Meagan Pollock began her career playing with light projection on tiny, microscopic mirrors as an engineer for Texas Instruments. Through her company, Engineer Inclusion and Engineered Organizations, she now utilizes metaphorical projectors and mirrors to shine a light on micro and macro social systems that, when adjusted, improve student and employee success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. A TEDx speaker, author, and a past recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Meagan holds a PhD in engineering education from Purdue University, an MS in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University, and a BS in computer science from Texas Woman’s University. As an engineer turned educator, Meagan focuses on helping others intentionally engineer inclusion® in education and the workforce.

Meagan and Dianna talk about

Diversity Drives Better Outcomes: Diverse teams consistently demonstrate improved results, leading to better design, products, and market success. However, Dr. Pollock’s driving motivation extends beyond the business case, emphasizing the ethical imperative to create environments where everyone feels valued and can contribute their best.

High-Performing Teams Prioritize Communication: Dr. Pollock cites research from Ron Friedman (Insight 80/Harvard Business Review) revealing that high-performing teams consistently engage in communication-driven practices like bonding, authenticity, appreciation, collaboration, and proactive conflict resolution.

Communication Styles are Shaped by Diverse Factors: Individual communication styles are influenced by personality, culture, upbringing, education, and lived experiences. Recognizing these differences is crucial for effective communication within diverse teams.

The Role of AI in Communication: While AI tools can aid in refining written communication, Dr. Pollock cautions that human awareness and skill are still essential to address the nuances of high-context vs. low-context communication styles.

Continuous Growth and Expansion: Dr. Pollock encourages professionals to actively seek out opportunities for continuous learning and exposure to diverse viewpoints through conferences, podcasts, social media, and interactions with individuals from different backgrounds.