Originally published on Medium: https://medium.com/@ezeanyimhenry/the-project-managers-communication-conundrum-a-developer-s-perspective-d1ca9cc212c0
So, here’s the scoop: We’ve had an insightful piece from a Project Manager (PM) about the supposed communication woes of developers — here. While the article was entertaining, it’s only fair we take a moment to address a few things from the developer’s side of the fence. Buckle up, folks, because this is about to get real.
The PM’s Communication Drama:
Imagine this: You’re a developer, deep into your code, working hard to meet deadlines while dealing with old systems and changing requirements. Suddenly, you get an urgent request from a PM. They need a detailed report on a feature you barely discussed yesterday. No problem, right? Except the request is as clear as a foggy morning in Lagos.
PMs are great at setting deadlines but often struggle with giving clear instructions. Ever notice how “urgent” for a PM might actually take days or weeks? Their version of “ASAP” seems to operate on a different timeline. When it comes to communication, you often get vague terms like “high priority” without any real details. It’s like asking a chef to make something “delicious” without specifying what ingredients to use.
The Art of Avoiding Specifics:
Developers often find themselves caught in “The Deadline Shuffle” — a game where deadlines are constantly moved around. A PM’s “quick chat” can turn into a long meeting with questions that could have been answered with a simple message.
And let’s talk about “I’ll get back to you.” PMs use this too, but it often means weeks of waiting, followed by a surprise “I need this now!” It may seem like developers are the ones who vanish, but PMs are also experts at disappearing, especially when deadlines are approaching.
The Misunderstood “Silent Genius”:
The PM’s article criticizes “silent geniuses” as career hindrances. But often, these “silent geniuses” are just focused people who prefer to let their work speak for them. On the other hand, PMs are often skilled in talking a lot but not always in getting things done. It might seem like the more they talk, the less gets accomplished. Developers aren’t necessarily unsocial; they’re just busy making sure the tech side of things doesn’t fall apart while PMs handle big plans.
Communication in the Tech World:
Effective communication is crucial in every job, but it’s a two-way street. Developers should work on being clearer and more proactive, but PMs should also strive to be more specific and mindful of developers’ time. Good communication isn’t about who responds faster or with more style; it’s about working together to get the project done.
So next time you’re working with developers, remember that clear instructions, context, and respect are key. Good communication helps everyone succeed, so let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.
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