A smart project manager knows that clear and concise communication is key to the success of any project. If you can’t effectively communicate your ideas to the developers, your project will likely suffer. Developers are highly-skilled professionals who are experts in their field. As a result, they can be very resistant to change and may not always be open to input from those who are not as technically savvy.

But you’ll never struggle with this aspect if you’re good with words and understand how to put your opinion out. That’s why it’s so important for project managers to know the dos and don’ts of communicating with developers. Today, we’ll enlist the best tips on smartly communicating with developers to get the most out of your project development experience. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your projects run smoothly and that your developers are always on board with your vision. So stick around while we dig deeper into the subject! 

The Do’s Of Communicating With Developers

Developing a project is no walk in the park; there are so many moving parts that it can feel like there’s a lot of pressure to get everything perfect. But one of the most important aspects of project development is communication with your developers. If you want to prevent team resistance and keep everyone on the same page, remember these dos of clever communication: 

• Do Respect Their Expertise 

As we mentioned before, developers are experts in their field. They’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of coding and software development. The project manager must respect the developers’ expertise as they are the ones who understand the code and how it works. They know what is possible, and it is their job to make the code work correctly. If you try to micromanage them, you will only end up slowing down the project and causing more problems. If you want to get your word across, focus on communicating your vision for the project and let them figure out the best way to bring it to life. When both parties reach a mutual solution, the project turns out incredibly well, and there’s hardly any pitfall during its development. 

• Do Be Clear And Concise 

Developers are often very logical people who prefer clear and concise instructions. When communicating with them, especially when giving them assignments or tasks, be sure to be as clear and concise as possible. The last thing you want is for them to misunderstand your instructions and end up doing something completely different than what you intended. It’s best to hold informal team meetings where everyone shares their progress. 

• Do Be Flexible

Plans change, and when they do, you need to be flexible enough to adapt. This is especially true when working with developers, as they often need to make changes to their code on the fly in order to accommodate changes in the project plan. If you’re inflexible or resistant to change, it will only make things more difficult for everyone involved.

• Do Make Use Of Their Skills 

In addition to being experts in their field, developers usually have a wide range of skills beyond coding. Many of them are also very good at problem-solving and troubleshooting. If you ever find yourself stuck on a project, don’t hesitate to reach out to your developers for help. Chances are they’ll be able to offer some valuable insights that can help get things back on track.

The Don’ts Of Communicating With Developers

Most project managers stress the number of calls, meetings, and updates they arrange with their teammates, leaving the quality aspect behind. But the truth is, clever communication is more about being assertive and considerate instead of sounding pushy. Here are some don’ts of project management communication you must not forget: 

• Don’t Patronize Them 

Just because someone is not as technically savvy as a developer does not mean they should be patronized or talked down to. This will only serve to alienate them and make them less likely to want to work with you in the future. 

• Don’t Make Assumptions 

Never assume that just because someone is a developer they automatically understand everything about coding or software development. These are two very different things, and many developers specialize in one or the other but not both. If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from your developers instead of making assumptions that could lead to problems down the road. 

• Don’t Try To Micromanage 

One of the worst things you can do when working with developers is trying to micromanage their work. They are experts in their field and know what they’re doing, so trust them to do their job and resist the urge to constantly check in on their progress or second-guess their decisions. This will only serve to make them feel uncomfortable and could lead them to make mistakes. 

• Don’t Be Demanding 

Working with developers can sometimes be demanding, as they often have several projects going on at once. However, it’s important to remember that they are human beings and should not be treated like machines. If you find yourself getting too frazzled or stressed out, take a step back and reevaluate your expectations. You may need to adjust your timeline or loosen up your requirements to give yourself and your team some breathing room if necessary. 

Rounding Up 

It’s no secret that communication is key in business, but its significance increases many folds in project management. When you’re responsible for streamlining teamwork and delivering the best quality work, effective communication is inevitable. If you’re at the stage where collaborating with your teammates seems tough, follow the list of dos and don’ts we have shared above and craft a strategy accordingly. Remember, no two teams are the same, so you must think realistically and take action after carefully analyzing everything. By following these simple dos and don’ts, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly and that both parties are always on the same page.

We wish you luck with your project management duties!