communication

Why Agile Might Benefit People Even More Than Software

Agile produces software that is more thoroughly tested and secure, at a speed that the current marketplace almost demands. But beyond making better mobile apps or more appealing software, how important is agile when it comes to not only cultivating a strong team, but also communicating with clients?

Josiah Renaudin's picture
Josiah Renaudin
Make Your Customers Feel the Wait Was Worth It

Sometimes the only way you can give customers adequate attention is to make other customers wait. In this age of impatience, some people won't like to hear that. But the way you treat those who have had to wait can make a big difference in how satisfied they are with your services. Read on for some advice.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
How to Listen Actively (or At Least Seem Like You Are)

Let's be honest; some people are boring to listen to. Still, when you give someone the impression that you're not listening, to that person, you're not listening. Here are some tips that can help you—both in actual listening, and in just conveying that impression (even if you’re not hanging onto every word).

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Improving Product Quality throughout the Software Development Lifecycle

Good, efficient communication is an important asset to the team. With focused, pure, and structured data on product quality, including all of the self-documenting steps of a given check, it’s clearly known what’s working and what the verifications are. Matt Griscom shows how you can get this level of clarity.

Matt Griscom's picture
Matt Griscom
Do You Understand the Risk of Yes/No Questions?

Language is ambiguous in the best of cases, but the risk of miscommunication soars if someone answers a question with only "yes" or "no." However, it can be awkward to ask “Can you repeat what I said?” or “Are you sure you understand?” Naomi Karten has some suggestions for communicating beyond.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
A Perspective on Other People’s Perspectives

Whenever someone behaves in a way that seems inappropriate or counterproductive, it seems useful to wonder what might be going on to trigger that behavior. In the workplace, this matter of perspective requires only that you accept that your colleagues and coworkers face challenges similar to your own.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
The Downside of Certainty

It's when you're most certain that you understand a situation that you're most likely to have misunderstood it. Whether you're dealing with customers or coworkers, it never hurts to seek additional information. After some clarification, you may find that you weren't so certain after all.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
The Win-Win Benefit of Expressing Appreciation

People are less likely to express thanks or appreciation at work than anyplace else. But studies suggest that employees who feel appreciated are more productive and loyal, so it's worth making an effort. The intriguing bit? It's a win-win experience—when you appreciate someone, you feel good, too.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten