##### Reddit discussion: PM role is fundamentally about communication. Alignment of priorities, expectation management for stakeholders, communication upwards and downwards and between tech and business. It's filling so the gaps that people in their own siloes expect from everyone else. Of course there shouldn't be siloes, and developers should work directly with business. In an ideal world, maybe. But the world isn't ideal! And so, PMs. The communication needs of each company are going to be wildly different from the next. ##### Course on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/learning/interpersonal-communication/ 1. Make requests as favors. Acknowledge that it is a favor for you and appreciate it effort throughout the conversation. 2. Use phone, email, chat as per the recipient's preferences. 3. Non-verbal cues: 1. Body launguage 1. Hands closed or open. 2. Smiling or pretending. Leakage happens when they are pretending. They may smirk, give sighs to show disinterest. 2. Where the feet are pointed. If they're pointing towards you, they're interested in the conversation. If they're pointing towards the door, they're ready to leave already. 4. Managing expectations with supervisor: 1. Rank your current projects and have time estimates for completion. Align if these match with your boss. Confirm project deadlines. ![[Manager expectations.png|300]] 2. Ask right questions 1. What can I do that's most helpful to you right now? 2. How should I prioritize X? 3. Listen actively to get context and build opinion about something 5. Speak up when you have experience 6. Understand communication style and cultural context. 1. Europeans: Direct. The timeline is not achievable. First name basis. 2. Americans: In the middle. I'm concerned about project timelines. First name basis. 3. Asian: Indirect. Team is working hard but timeline may be difficult. Title or respectful words (sir, madam) 7. Managing interruptions 1. Discuss one on one 2. Use parking lot to take notes of interruptions 3. Disrupt office culture 4. Brainstorm before meeting 5. Ask meeting facilitator to ensure people are heard 8. Critical feedback: Listen actively and draft proposal to address it 9. Communicate as an introvert: 1. Ask an advocate to create space for you 2. Create talking points 3. Challenge yourself to participate 4. Meet one on one before bigger meetings