EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

In the Workplace

David Giard, MCPD, MCTS, MCSD, MCSE, MCDBA, MBA

www.DavidGiard.comDavidGiard@DavidGiard.com

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