“I love repeating myself” – said nobody ever. When asked to repeat ourselves, we seem to fall on a spectrum from “I don’t like it” to “I dread it so much it makes my blood boil”. People generally don’t like repeating themselves. As software engineers, we run into this far too often, probably because we value efficiency. The DRY principle in programming also doesn’t help. We’re taught that repetition, at least in code, is a bad practice and can lead to maintenance nightmares.
What is your opinion on firms like 37signals and their basecamp software to manage project? It basically aim to kill repetition and multi-channel communication, the exact opposite of what you suggest... How come certain organization appear to need repetition while other do not?
Yes! As leaders, we should expect to repeat ourselves! I've found that using multiple communication channels, as you mentioned, can be very effective. People are unique, and what works best for some won't for others. Using different channels/methods to communication information can help with this, and the repetition itself is also good.
I can personally relate to the point - "Expect to ask people at least twice for what you need and factor that into your timelines." - because I know that I tend to give very aggressive timelines. I am definitely improving this now, but this point is quite important because this is something external and you won't have much control when others would get back to you.
Something similar happened with me when, I as the project lead, was coordinating with multiple teams and one of the teams was so casual about delivering their part that despite multiple reminders and followups they were still delaying it without any timeline. I had no other option to get it escalated and communicate to the stakeholders.
I love this! Repetition and summarization are important but too often overlooked tools for clear, effective communication. Great reminder to me! Thanks!
The communication within a company is far from strict computer protocols, so we do not know how many of our messages were successfully processed by our team members.
I reckon that managers with engineering backgrounds forget about it way too often.
Glad you mentioned this, recently I observed this in a very good email summary. Self observation: when I start doing this, I feel guilty/uneasy and say words like "as I was saying before" , "sounding redundant" and half heartedly repeat. I should stop doing that and this article gives me confidence
"Yet repetition in communication is not just necessary, it can be the secret ingredient for teaching, driving change, and overall getting things done." -> this sentence sums everything perfectly!
The Rule of 7 is a great bit of knowledge.
Wish I had learned about this when first starting to manage.
This article should have 50 claps like Medium. Maybe Substack can introduce it now. 🎉
What is your opinion on firms like 37signals and their basecamp software to manage project? It basically aim to kill repetition and multi-channel communication, the exact opposite of what you suggest... How come certain organization appear to need repetition while other do not?
Yes! As leaders, we should expect to repeat ourselves! I've found that using multiple communication channels, as you mentioned, can be very effective. People are unique, and what works best for some won't for others. Using different channels/methods to communication information can help with this, and the repetition itself is also good.
Great article!
I can personally relate to the point - "Expect to ask people at least twice for what you need and factor that into your timelines." - because I know that I tend to give very aggressive timelines. I am definitely improving this now, but this point is quite important because this is something external and you won't have much control when others would get back to you.
Something similar happened with me when, I as the project lead, was coordinating with multiple teams and one of the teams was so casual about delivering their part that despite multiple reminders and followups they were still delaying it without any timeline. I had no other option to get it escalated and communicate to the stakeholders.
I love this! Repetition and summarization are important but too often overlooked tools for clear, effective communication. Great reminder to me! Thanks!
The communication within a company is far from strict computer protocols, so we do not know how many of our messages were successfully processed by our team members.
I reckon that managers with engineering backgrounds forget about it way too often.
Great article Irina!
I love this. You definitely gave me another perspective to consider and can help me not rage when I have to repeat myself.
Yess! My job here is done then 😁😁
Glad you mentioned this, recently I observed this in a very good email summary. Self observation: when I start doing this, I feel guilty/uneasy and say words like "as I was saying before" , "sounding redundant" and half heartedly repeat. I should stop doing that and this article gives me confidence
This is so great to hear! Remember this article when the guilt on uneasiness pop up. With time it'll get so much easier, I promise.
"Yet repetition in communication is not just necessary, it can be the secret ingredient for teaching, driving change, and overall getting things done." -> this sentence sums everything perfectly!
Totally! Glad you enjoyed this article.