High-Bandwidth Communication

In engineering, communication is the process of transferring mental models from one person to another.

Forms of Communication

• Synchronous: Meetings, Pair Programming, Instant Messaging. Use for high-ambiguity, urgent, or emotionally sensitive topics.
• Asynchronous: Email, PR Comments, RFCs. Use for deep work, documentation, and non-urgent updates.

The Art of the Code Review

Code reviews are a social interaction first.

• Be Kind: “This could be improved” instead of “This is wrong.”
• Focus on the Code: Use “we” or talk about the code directly (“The variable name…”) instead of “you.”
• Explain ‘Why’: Don’t just give a command; provide the reasoning.

Active Listening

Communication isn’t just about talking.

• Mirroring: Repeating back what you heard to confirm understanding.
• Asking Open-Ended Questions: “Help me understand how this part works?”
• Validating: Acknowledging the other person’s perspective, even if you disagree.