Development teams and business decision makers frequently conflict. Business people don’t always understand that without software, their companies wouldn’t make money. Developers don’t always realize that solving a problem requires more than the latest framework. Each group has different priorities. This session is designed to help technical teams reconcile those priorities. You will learn to identify the values you share with the business and how to communicate with those shared values in mind. You’ll also learn how to apply different communication styles using the DISC theory to discuss technical solutions with the business. By finding a shared set of values and a shared language, you’ll create solutions that have business and technology working in harmony.

1. Business & Tech:
A Communication
Guide
Cassandra
Faris
@cassandrafaris

2. We all have
communication
fails
(& that’s OK)

3. conflict between biz &
tech teams causes
communication fails differing priorities
can create conflict

4. Teams have different priorities
Business
• Money
• Time
• Customers
• What’s going on?
Technical
• Clean code
• Testing
• New technologies
• Leave me alone!
What other priorities have you seen?

5. Why do priorities
matter?

6. Biz & tech teams
have the same goal
–
solving problems!

7. Teams are made of people
People are challenging
• Feelings
• Different experiences
• Working together
Communication is hard
• Assumptions
• Blame game
• Differing styles
What people challenges have you seen?

8. Why should I
care about
your priorities?

9. Shared language
facilitates better
communication

10. William Marston’s DISC Theory
Source: https://robin0479.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/william_moulton_marston.png

11. Source: https://robin0479.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/william_moulton_marston.png
DISC Personality Types

12. What is your
DISC type?

13. D = Dominance
Effective
• Direct communication
• Results-motivated
• Seizes opportunities
Fears
• Criticism
• Loss of Control
• Being taken advantage of
Goals
• Control
• Challenge
• Leadership
InEffective
• Dictatorial
• Arrogant
• Sarcastic

14. I = influence
Effective
• People-oriented
• Persuasive
• Good communication
Fears
• Social rejection
• Disapproval
• Losing influence
Goals
• Status
• Popularity
• Approval
InEffective
• Overly chatty
• Easily distracted
• Too enthusiastic

15. S = steadiness
Effective
• Great listener
• Loyal & supportive
• Consistent
Fears
• Unpredictability
• Unplanned change
• Losing stability
Goals
• Tradition
• Status quo
• Stability
InEffective
• Indecisive
• Resists change
• Too tolerant

16. C = Conscientiousness
Effective
• Critical thinker
• Detail-oriented
• Precise & accurate
Goals
• Order
• Precision
• Proper ways
InEffective
• Critical of others
• Perfectionist
• Aloof
Fears
• Sloppy work
• Criticism of abilities
• Intense emotions

17. Shared language
is not a silver
bullet

18. A diverse team is
an effective team

19. Which shared
values can help
us both succeed?

20. Building Rapport
• Personality type
• Communication method
• Timing
• “Yes, and…”
• Why?
• Empathize!

21. Allow everyone
to have a voice

22. Your only
assumption –
people have good
intentions

23. Biz-Tech Communication #Protips
• Create a shared list of terms
• Explain acronyms
• Share stories, not buzzwords
• Encourage & answer questions

24. I get you
so
I’ll listen to you

25. Without empathy,
communication
will fail

26. Cassandra Faris
@CASSANDRAFARIS
CASSANDRA.FARIS@GMAIL.COM
Thank you!