/via http://www.fau.edu/research/research-communications/index.php The means and lines of communications within organization have expanded by a ridiculous amount over the last couple of years. At the same time, so have issues associated with these forms of communications. For example, you’ve probably heard the following in some form or the other “ ” I find Slack counter-productive “ ” Hangouts are a waste of time “ ” I prefer email to WhatsApp and so forth. The thing about the above is that each and every one of them is absolutely valid. For example “ ” I find Slack counter-productive, because the constant interruptions prevent me from getting into the groove “ ” Hangouts are a waste of time, because everybody here likes the sound of their own voice “ ” I prefer email to WhatsApp, because you can keep track of conversation threads Fair points right? Especially the one about distractions, right?After all, most of us have run into the above issues, of us hate the distractions ( ), and we’ve probably ranted about it at length with (or to!) our colleagues, friends, random strangers at coffee-shops, , and lords know where else. all Squirrel! blog posts The key here though, is that . you need to understand why the above statements are made, and not simply imbue the statements with meaning based upon your own assumptions, experiences, and biases Go back and read that again — I am saying that your reasons aren’t valid! What I getting at, however, is that you should try and figure out the other person detests Slack/Hangouts/whatever. If you don’t, you’ll never make explicate whatever issues you have in your organization!. not am why ? It might be time to start working on . Too many interruptions strategies to mitigate — and embrace! — distractions ? You, or your TechLead/PM/… need to work on team dynamics, communications strategies, standups, etc. Too many people who like the sound of their own voice ? Time to realize the distinction between async (email, documents, voicemail) and sync (WhatsApp, voice) communications, and the proper role for each when interacting with other people Trouble tracking conversation threads in WhatsApp That’s the easy part, most of you already know, or should know, this. The point about putting yourself in other people’s shoes is that, every now and then, they can reveal a deeper problem, and one that can be potentially catastrophic for your organization — Lets redo the above statements, with a qualifier around collaboration sometimes people just aren’t very good at collaborating! “ ” I find Slack counter-productive, because I’m not very good at collaborating with people “ ” Hangouts are a waste of time, because I’m not very good at collaborating with people “ ” I prefer email to WhatsApp, because I’m not very good at collaborating with people /via http://www.theteamspace.com/how-much-does-poor-teamwork-cost-you/ Does this sound familiar? Is there somebody in your organization that it applies to? If it does, well, you have a problem.If the person is somebody to your organization — say a — then you have a problem.If the person is also somebody in a position of authority — a TechLead / Manager/Founder — then, well, you have a problem (•) critical #CowboyDeveloper big huge So yeah, look around your company, and pay attention toe the gripes around collaboration. Make sure — — that this is because they suck at it. You won’t be sorry!! real sure not More Warning Signs “ ”(Unless they are an attorney, or have a really good reason. And they probably don’t) I prefer Microsoft Word to Google Docs really “ ”. Yeah, bulls**t, especially these days I travel a lot, and can’t be online all the time If you’re doing a presentation, and can’t (or won’t, or don’t know how) turn off notifications, you might be a problem (•) Seriously, in this case, see if there is likelihood of this getting resolved. If there isn’t (and frankly, it’s unlikely that it will. For most people in this space authority is the same as “ ”), then you’re really better off finding a different job if you can, this just isn’t worth the candle. any I’m always correct ( This article also appears on my blog )

Google

Microsoft

Slack

Read My Stories

Too Long; Didn't Read

Developers: Build Less. Deliver More. [Learn how]	

Beware the Offline Trap

Too Long; Didn't Read

Companies Mentioned

Mahesh Paolini-Subramanya

About Author

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN...

Beware the Offline Trap

Too Long; Didn't Read

Companies Mentioned

Mahesh Paolini-Subramanya

About Author

TOPICS

THIS ARTICLE WAS FEATURED IN...

RELATED STORIES