Effective communication is a force multiplier

Have you ever heard this at work: “We need to improve our communication”?

I bet you have.

It’s a phrase that often pops up in the aftermath of a project gone wrong.

Here is a principle that I’ve found helpful:

For each project, list people who need to be informed when a decision is made or something happens.

Send them an update in this format:

Outcome → Key points → Context

It works when you’re talking to someone, too.

Here is a common trap to avoid:

Each individual has a unique perspective on the world, the project, and the problem.

The trap is that it’s easy to assume people share your perspective.

They likely don’t.

Effective communication is quickly finding common ground and syncing up any new information you all might have.

The thing is …

I’ve found ineffective communication a massive problem when building digital products.

We often speak a different language in different departments.

The product discusses features; the CEO wants numbers, and the CTO says it will need a database migration.

They all want the same outcome.

To succeed, you must be able to meet people on their terms and translate what they say into your domain.

It’s not always easy, but it’s worth doing. It may slash a retrospective or two off your calendar.

Happy Friday,

Taj