EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION In the Workplace David Giard, MCPD, MCTS, MCSD, MCSE, MCDBA, MBA www.DavidGiard.com [email protected]
Nov 01, 2014
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
In the Workplace
David Giard, MCPD, MCTS, MCSD, MCSE, MCDBA, MBA
A Tale of Two Programmers
Juan
Ammal
What are Lessons Can Juan Learn?
First impressions are vitally important Clarify understanding Get feedback early and often
Feedback? Meet key people early Daily Stand-up Status Reports Meet regularly Performance Reviews
First Meeting Meet first week Manager’s priority Your experience and interests Take notes. Keep notes nearby.
Daily Stand-up ≤ 15 Minutes Yesterday’s accomplishments Today’s plans Obstacles
Status Report This week’s accomplishments Next week’s goals Issues Sample status report
Performance reviews Short-term project: End of project Long-term project: Every 3 months Bring notes from last meeting Brag about accomplishments Solicit honest feedback Take notes. Keep notes nearby.
Review Meet key people early Daily Stand-up Status Reports Meet regularly Don't be afraid of your manager
Improving Your Communication
Communication is a skill
Be polite “Please” and “Thank you” Look people in the eyes Take out that stupid phone earpiece
How do I get what I want? Ask List benefits Don’t talk past the sale
Improve your spoken communication skills
Don’t fear the manager Ask questions Active listening
With whom should I talk? Managers Subordinates Colleagues The experience guy The new guy Do NOT be afraid
What should I talk about? Work Hobbies and Interests Sports, Movies, TV Travel Families
Any topics I should avoid? Politics Religion Sex
Things to check at the door
Prejudices Vulgarities
Improve your written communication skills
Spell and Grammar check
Assume everything you write is public
Be concise Avoid jargon Active voice “Elements of Style”
by Strunk & White
Goals of effective communication
Early feedback Frequent feedback Verify understanding Be Inclusive Keep it professional Fear Not!
A word of caution Balance
And Finally… Be brief!
Moral If you’ve seen Juan, You’ve seen Ammal!
Thank youDavidGiard.com