Reading People Like Code: A Practical Guide to Team Communication

Let's be real—tech experts are amazing at solving complex coding problems but often stumble when it comes to connecting with co-workers. You've been there: the project that went sideways because two developers couldn't see eye-to-eye, the meetings where everyone talks and nobody listens, or that awful feeling when you realize your solution is being ignored because you don't know how to "sell it" to the team. The frustration is real when you're expecting others to think and communicate like you do, only to be disappointed again and again.What if you could read people as easily as you read code? Imagine walking into any business situations — whether it's a sprint planning, a discussion with non-technical stakeholders, or giving feedback to a colleague — and knowing exactly how to adapt your communication to get through.As an HR consultant who's spent a decade in different IT organizations, I've seen firsthand how communication breakdowns can derail even the most technically brilliant teams. During this speech I will challenge the communication rules you've been taught, explore why "being a good listener" sometimes backfires, and discover why trying to avoid conflict can actually make your team weaker. Let's practice adapting your approach for different personality types without losing your authenticity.