Communication difficulties by Tania Paz
Some weeks ago, I realized something important. Software development is first and foremost a task about communication. It is not the kind of communication happening on network links. It is about human communication.
A programmer will typically have to speak or communicate with his fellow programmers, the analyst, the architect, the projet manager, the customer, the tester, the documentation writer, the graphist, his boss, his coworkers’ bosses, the customer’s boss, the project owner and many others. There are many potential pitfalls.
Analyzing it from my point of view, I think many programmers have social skill problems. When I say “many”, I do include myself in that group. I think certain kind of personalities makes you like computer science or at least, it makes it more enjoyable. The environment in which you grow up is also a factor which may drive you to this discipline.
On the Myers-Briggs personality scale, I am an INTP. Which can be resume with the following:
- I for introversion which oppose extroversion
- N for intuition which oppose sensing
- T for thinking which oppose feeling
- P for perception which oppose judgement
In short, I was not easily interacting with people. It has lead me to a slow progression toward social skills. Those skills which make you good at interacting with people and communicating with them. Those same skills which make you understand how people are feeling, what they are going through and adjust yourself to this reality. Those same skills which are essential in software development.
There is only one way out: trying to get better.
This is what I have been trying to do since than. I think so far it is working. Even my girlfriend has noticed.
My first goal was simple. “I will try to engage a discussion in a kindly manner with whoever I meet.” It seems simple, but for someone who has tried to stay in his bubble for as long as possible, it can be hard. So far, I think I have met that goal even though I still have some defiling moments when I just do not want to speak with anyone.
Recently, I bought How to Win Friends & Influence People. This book was recommended in a software developement book. I thought it would make sense to buy it and have a look. I did not buy it to make more friends or manipulate people. I bought it for the social lessons it contains. I have read a few pages so far and I will probably post an update when I finish it.
Another possibility I am currently thinking about is taking some communication classes. Those kind of open courses where you can go in whenever you want.
Social and communication skills are often disregarded by software developpers. I think it is time we change our view and see just how usefull they are.
Post a Comment