Communication is Just as Important as Code – M. Scott Ford (Talk at Python Web Conference 2022)

How we treat each other

• let’s don’t divide us into technical and non-technical
  • the more holistic skills we have, the better we can communicate and the better we can do our jobs
• if you are a software developer by training you do well by respecting career jumpers and non-technical people
• if you are not a software developer by training you do well by respecting career jumpers and non-technical people

empathy

• mind the receiver and their needs

Communication in software

• different kinds of communication
• rather obvious: direct, written or spoken communication
• less obvious:
  • body language (non-verbal communication)
  • mindful code, docs, tests, error messages etc.
  • timesheets (what did you do when?)
• communication is the artifacts of your ideas
  • not so different from code

Benefits: Value of communication

• communication skills will help you to level up/enhance your career
  • help you to become
    • manager
    • business owner
    • senior
• communication builds trust

improve communication

• switch the context – switch the perspective (to understand others)
• may use interruptability levels to make sure the colluctor is ready for a conversation
• don’t shut the counterpart down by denying – rather add your opinion (if necessary)
  • always respect the others opinions
• use direct feedback in communication – praise publically
  • don’t critique the person but (if absolutely necessary) rather their behavoir