Mastering Sensemaking: How Junior Engineers Like Pedro Can Gain Buy-In and Respect
Marc LeVine
Empowering Engineers & Advancing Careers | Talent Acquisition Manager, Blogger, Podcast Guest, Conference Speaker | Hiring those Built to Succeed in Control Systems Engineering for Thermo Systems
Summary: As a junior engineer, Pedro often found himself struggling to communicate his ideas effectively. Despite his solid technical knowledge, he noticed that getting buy-in from management, customers, and colleagues was much harder than expected. In this post, we explore how sensemaking—the ability to make complex ideas accessible to others—can help Pedro and others like him earn respect, drive collaboration, and make an impact in the workplace. Through real-world examples, we’ll discuss actionable tips on how junior engineers can effectively share their ideas and ensure their voices are heard.
Meet Pedro: In Search of "Pearls" That Flow From His Mouth
Pedro had always prided himself on his technical expertise. As a junior control engineer, he was often the one tasked with solving complex issues behind the scenes. But when it came to sharing his ideas with others—especially in meetings with his manager, Thomas, or with clients—Pedro felt like he was hitting a wall. His ideas were solid. The solutions worked. But no one seemed to understand or, worse, care.
One day, he found himself in a meeting with Thomas and a client, trying to present a proposal for a new control system that would improve productivity and cut costs. As he laid out his plan, Pedro noticed that while his points were technically sound, the client seemed distant, and Thomas’s expression remained blank. He realized that despite all his work on the project, his pitch wasn’t getting through.
After the meeting, Maya, a senior engineer known for her ability to communicate complex ideas with ease, noticed Pedro’s frustration. She had been through the same struggle early in her career, and she was more than willing to help.
Maya: “Hey, Pedro. I could see you were frustrated in there. Want to talk about it?”
Pedro: “I just don’t get it. I had a good idea. I explained it, but it felt like no one understood or cared. The client was checking their watch, and Thomas just stayed quiet. I don’t know what went wrong.”
Maya: “It’s not about the idea, Pedro. It’s about how you make sense of it. When you communicate with management or clients, they’re not thinking about the technical details. They’re thinking about how your idea fits into the bigger picture and addresses their needs.”
Pedro: “So, I need to explain it differently?”
Maya: “Exactly. It’s about presenting your ideas in a way that connects with their priorities. You have to frame your technical solutions in terms that resonate with them.”
Creating Sensemaking Opportunities: Tips for Junior Engineers
1. Start with the Bigger Picture
In the workplace, people are focused on the outcomes, not the process. Management and clients are more interested in how your solution will impact their goals—whether that’s increasing efficiency, saving costs, or solving a key problem. So, before diving into the details of your solution, start by framing it within the broader context.
Tip: “Instead of saying ‘this system uses an advanced algorithm to optimize operations,’ try something like, ‘This system can help reduce your downtime by 30%, which will directly impact your bottom line.’ Focus on what matters to them.”
2. Simplify with Analogies
If you’ve ever tried explaining a complex system to someone without a technical background, you’ve probably noticed that the more jargon you use, the more lost they become. One of the best tools for making your ideas accessible is analogies. By comparing technical concepts to familiar, everyday objects, you can make complex ideas easier to grasp.
Tip: “Think of your technical solution as a vehicle—if you can explain it like ‘This system is like the brakes on a car: without it, you’ll lose control,’ you’ll create a clearer picture for your audience.”
3. Listen First, Speak Second
Effective sensemaking doesn’t only mean making your ideas clear—it also means understanding the needs and concerns of your audience. Before presenting a solution, take the time to listen and ask questions. What are their priorities? What challenges are they facing? When you know what matters to them, you can tailor your communication to address their specific pain points.
Tip: “Ask open-ended questions to understand the problems at hand. For example, ‘What challenges are you facing with the current system?’ This ensures your solution is directly aligned with their needs.”
4. Use Visuals to Enhance Understanding
Words are powerful, but sometimes visuals can make an even bigger impact. When presenting complex systems or data, using visuals like graphs, diagrams, or flowcharts can help your audience better understand the information you’re presenting. A well-placed visual can make your argument more compelling and easier to digest.
Tip: “Use simple charts or diagrams to explain your ideas. For example, instead of saying ‘This system will increase productivity by 25%,’ show them a chart that illustrates how your solution will reduce delays and streamline processes.”
5. Encourage Dialogue and Collaboration
Sensemaking is not a one-way street. It’s about creating a conversation. The more you can involve your audience in the process, the more engaged they will be. Don’t just present your solution—ask for feedback, encourage questions, and let others contribute. This helps everyone feel invested in the outcome and can also lead to valuable insights.
Tip: “Don’t wait for formal meetings to start collaborating. Initiate informal discussions with colleagues or clients. It’s often in those small, casual conversations that the best ideas emerge.”
Final Thoughts:
For junior engineers like Pedro, mastering the art of sensemaking is essential for success. It’s not enough to have great ideas; you need to communicate them in a way that resonates with management, clients, and colleagues. By framing your solutions in terms of the bigger picture, using simple language and visuals, and fostering collaboration, you can increase buy-in, gain respect, and build your career. Remember, it’s not just about what you know—it’s about how you make it make sense to others.
Reader’s Question:
Q: "As a junior engineer, how can I present my technical ideas in a way that resonates with people who don’t have a technical background?"
Suggested Hashtags for Sharing:
#Sensemaking #EngineeringCommunication #CareerGrowth #JuniorEngineer #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipSkills #EffectiveCommunication #TechCareers
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Marc LeVine is a Syracuse (NY) University graduate with a degree in Industrial Psychology; Marc is currently a Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He received the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.
Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.
Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.
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Senior Program Manager at Vitesco Technologies
2 天前Knowing your audience and how to persuade them is a skill that extrapolates far beyond an individual situation; and I have found this skill increasingly important as I have transitioned from engineering roles into program management. My advice for folks that are following a management path from a technical role, learn and apply this skill as early as possible in your career. As my stakeholder audiences have become more professionally diverse, so too has the need to craft my message to fit. But the basics of "sensemaking" continue to apply, only the story now has to have a variety of beneficial outcomes tailored to a variety of key stakeholders. For example, in getting buy-in on a project plan from a cross-functional project team, I have had to not only tell the story of the overall organization benefit but also identify and emphasize the "side" benefits that apply to the individual team member. While I cannot wholly satisfy everyone at the same time, I have gained more buy-in and consequently better team performance when I presented relatable benefits to team members. Learning the skill of sensemaking and practicing it early in your career will have increasingly more benefit to your endeavors as the work becomes more complex.