Communication for developers, practical examples 2/2

Below is a guide with practical examples and contrasts to improve each of the communication skills listed in the previous post , illustrating with frequent situations that a developer faces:

1. Active listening:

   • Practical examples:
     • During meetings, avoid distractions and focus all your attention on the speaker.
     • Ask follow-up questions to ensure you fully understand the key points.
     • Take notes and summarize the main points to show that you are actively listening.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Constantly interrupting the speaker or not paying attention while he speaks.
     • Assume that you already know everything about the topic and do not try to understand the perspectives of others.
   • Frequent situation: During a sprint planning meeting, some developers may have difficulty understanding the product requirements presented by the product owner.

2. Clear and concise expression:

   • Practical examples:
     • Organize your thoughts before speaking, and structure communication logically.
     • Use simple language and avoid unnecessary technical jargon when talking to non-technicians.
     • Provide examples and analogies to illustrate complex concepts.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Rampage or talk in circles without reaching the central point.
     • Use excessive technical jargon that may confuse listeners.
   • Frequent situation: When presenting a new feature to the product team, a senior developer must explain the technical aspects in a way that is understandable to everyone involved.

3. Empathy and respect:

   • Practical examples:
     • Treat all team members with courtesy and respect, regardless of their role or level of experience.
     • Show genuine interest in understanding the perspectives and concerns of others.
     • Use inclusive language and avoid offensive or discriminatory comments.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Belittling the ideas or contributions of other team members.
     • Adopt a condescending or arrogant attitude when communicating.
   • Frequent situation: During a code review, a junior developer may make mistakes or have different approaches than a more experienced senior developer.

4. Constructive feedback:

   • Practical examples:
     • Provide specific feedback focused on the behavior or work, not the person.
     • Balance negative comments with praise and positive suggestions.
     • Ask for feedback from others and be open to receiving constructive criticism.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Criticize in a destructive or personal way, instead of focusing on work.
     • Defensively reject any criticism or suggestion for improvement. -Frequent situation: After a code review, a senior developer must provide constructive feedback to a junior developer about her coding approach.

5. Conflict resolution:

   • Practical examples:
     • Remain calm and address disagreements professionally and objectively.
     • Look for compromise solutions in which all parties can win.
     • Focus on the facts and avoid personal attacks or accusations.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Respond aggressively or defensively to conflicts.
     • Refusing to compromise or consider the points of view of others.
   • Frequent situation: Two developers may have different approaches to the best way to implement a feature, which can lead to a technical conflict.

6. Visual communication:

   • Practical examples:
     • Use diagrams, slides and other visual tools to explain complex concepts.
     • Ensure that visual presentations are clear, concise sas and easy to follow.
     • Practice and receive feedback on visual presentation skills.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Present excessively dense or disordered information on slides or diagrams.
     • Rely solely on verbal explanations to communicate complex ideas.
   • Frequent situation: A senior developer may need to present the architecture of a new system or proposed improvements to an existing architecture to the entire development team.

7. Adaptability:

   • Practical examples:
     • Evaluate the level of knowledge and experience of the public before communicating.
     • Adjust the level of technical detail and language used as necessary.
     • Be attentive to verbal and non-verbal cues from listeners to adapt communication accordingly.
   • Contrast (what not to do):
     • Use a "one size fits all" approach to communication, without considering the specific needs and backgrounds of the audience.
     • Ignore signs of confusion or lack of understanding on the part of the listeners.
   • Frequent situation: A senior developer may need to explain the same technical concept to different audiences, such as the developer team, the product management team, and external stakeholders.