Ask Slashdot: Communication Skills For Programmers?

An anonymous reader writes "As a new developer at a young-ish software company, I've been told my communication skills need some work. I'm not painfully introverted or socially inept, but I get lost in my work and only contact people if I need something from them or they ask me a question. Traditional advice isn't relevant to casual, less hierarchical companies — I don't have to hold my tongue when someone is wrong or worry about formalities. But I do need to connect with people professionally, since my team members and managers decide my perf and advancement. How do you keep colleagues abreast of your work without having exponentially many needless conversations?"

Comments

Needless?

[Anonymous Coward]

So this needless communication is actually needful?

Maybe just change your attitude. Forming relationships is very important at work.
Are you sure "communication skills" means that you aren't socializing enough? Perhaps your emails are inadequate, you aren't keeping people informed, aren't discussing ideas with others or are not adequately explaining your ideas.

The fact that you only talk to people when you need some from them is a problem. What about brain storming? Design meetings? Code reviews?

Getting to know people and taking an interest in their lives doesn't hurt either.

Re:Needless?

[Anonymous Coward]

It can also mean don't be an introverted dork who's only there to work. ... Source: I was once an introverted dork, but got medicated for my social-dysfunction ...

Sounds like the same kind of attitude behind corrective education for homosexuals. Just because you're a successful graduate of Camp-don't-be-Gay doesn't mean that anyone else who's forced to attend wants or needs chemical correction.

Introversion is natural. Just because the extroverts are in the majority and are trying to force their kool-aid on everyone doesn't mean that introversion is wrong.

Start by asking for more specific feedback

[MAXOMENOS]

You've been told that your communication skills need some work. Part of communicating is asking for, and learning how to receive, feedback. So, I'd suggest the following:

• Go to the people who gave you the advice to improve your communications skills
• Ask them if they can point to specific areas where your communication needs work, and to provide examples
• Listen to what they say. Take notes - just bullet points - of the important stuff. Sub-bullet the examples, if provided.
• When they're done giving you specifics, ask them if they might have pointers on where to learn more about improving those areas.
• Dedicate real time - an hour a week at least - towards improving those areas.
• Practice, practice, practice, every opportunity you get.

DO NOT:

• Get defensive
• Retaliate
• Brush off their advice

Good luck.