The Systems Engineer: a Communicating Saté Skewer

摘要

Communication is recognised as an important ingredient to execute projects. It is not just a single capacity, but can be drawn along multiple dimensions. This paper describes the Systems Engineer as a ‘Communicating Saté Skewer’, addressing his ability to concatenate different aspects (people, means and content) to secure that the system becomes successful. To be able to act as a good Systems Engineer, this paper describes six dimensions that are important for optimal communication and to fulfil the role of ‘concatenater’ of content. These dimensions range from the organisational- and system hierarchy to the intercultural aspects of communication within and between teams or organisations. Moreover these dimensions vary from East to West. Trying to find a person who meets the needs along all dimensions may result in looking for the impossible. Some thoughts are given that may help constructing a balanced team that meets the project needs.