Why Tech Consultants Have Management’s Ear (And You Don’t)
Ever seen management bring in a technology consultant, and suddenly they're open to ideas you've been telling them all along?
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Mastering Communication as a Developer: How It Can Transform Your Career
If you want to be successful in your tech career and accomplish things that others can’t, one of the most critical areas to focus on is communication. Unfortunately, many developers don’t invest in improving their communication skills, often because they don’t see the connection between technical expertise and the ability to effectively convey ideas. But mastering communication can be the key that unlocks your potential and propels your career forward.
Why Communication Matters
Have you ever been working on a software project and suddenly management brings in a consultant? That consultant then starts getting support for ideas you’ve been advocating for all along, and it leaves you feeling frustrated, thinking they must be a master of BS? I’ve been there. Early in my career, after transitioning from a software architect to a consultant, I had one of the worst performance reviews of my life. The feedback was brutal: I was told I didn’t know how to communicate with clients, I belittled them, and I argued about their own needs. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was a turning point for me. I realized I needed to master communication to succeed in consulting—and this shift in mindset can work wonders for you as well.
Nine Ways to Communicate Like a Consultant
1. Understand the Business Goals
As a consultant, I learned to focus on how the business operates and what it’s trying to achieve—not just the technical aspects of my role. Ask questions, understand the bigger picture, and align your communication to reflect the business’s goals. This approach will make your contributions more valuable and help you gain support for your ideas.
2. Hone Your Presentation Skills
Consultants often have to give impressive presentations that provoke thought and push the business forward, even if it means ruffling some feathers. If you want to move ahead in your career, be willing to put forth strong ideas and present them confidently, even if it challenges the status quo.
3. Adapt Your Communication to Your Audience
Understanding who you’re talking to and tailoring your communication accordingly is a crucial skill. Whether you’re talking to executives, product managers, or fellow developers, adjusting your message to fit their focus and priorities will help you gain their support.
4. Seek Feedback on Your Communication
Regularly ask for feedback on how you communicate, especially if you sense friction or uncertainty. Whether it’s from peers, managers, or clients, constructive criticism will help you refine your communication style and make you more effective.
5. Invest in Negotiation Skills
Negotiation isn’t just for salary discussions or major disagreements. It’s an essential part of pushing your ideas forward and ensuring that your contributions are valued. The more you practice negotiating, the better you’ll become at advocating for your ideas and finding compromises that work for everyone.
6. Clarify Before Committing
Don’t let authority or urgency push you into starting a project without fully understanding the scope and requirements. Take the time to ensure clarity on all fronts before you dive in. This will save you and your team headaches down the line.
7. Prioritize Documentation
Good documentation is a form of communication that ensures your work can be understood and maintained after you’re gone. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about leaving a clear, accessible record of what you’ve done so that others can build on your work.
8. Manage Relationships, Especially with Difficult People
As an employee, it’s easy to avoid difficult people, but as a consultant, you can’t afford to. Building and maintaining relationships with all team members, even the challenging ones, is key to your success. Familiarity breeds trust, and consistent, positive interaction can turn a difficult relationship into a productive one.
9. Commit to Continuous Learning
Just as you invest time in learning new technologies, invest in learning about communication. Read books, take courses, and practice your communication skills regularly. The more you learn, the more effective you’ll become at navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever been frustrated watching consultants get the attention and support that you feel you deserve, it might be time to step up your communication game. By focusing on the ways you communicate, you can set yourself apart and achieve things that others can’t. Communication is the bridge between your technical skills and your ability to make a real impact in your career.
What’s holding you back from making communication a priority? What would it take for you to start investing in this crucial skill today?
About the THRIVING TECHNOLOGIST show
On YouTube and all major podcast networks, Jayme shares teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.
Jayme Edwards
A family man and veteran of nearly 40 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses over his career as an architect and consultant.
Now he's coaching software developers, managers, and business owners to overcome challenges in the IT industry - so they keep growing.