How Clear Communication Has Reshaped My Approach to Product Development
I’m still a Work in Progress
Communication. We all know it's essential, but I never truly grasped just how crucial clear communication is to successful product development until I experienced its failures firsthand. For much of my early journey, I underestimated the role of clear, concise messaging—thinking that great ideas alone could carry a project to success. However, time and experience have taught me otherwise(good intentions can not justify bad behavior). Learning to communicate effectively has been one of the most profound shifts in my approach to product development. And, while I’ve come a long way, I’m still very much a work in progress.
Welcome to Episode 11 of Product with JnrJose
The Early Days: Where I Went Wrong
In the beginning, my biggest communication issue was making assumptions—particularly the assumption that the people I was communicating with already knew where I was coming from. I would dive straight into details, thinking my team members were fully aware of the context and process leading up to our conversation. Unsurprisingly, this led to confusion, misalignment, and frustration. We missed deadlines, misunderstandings were frequent, and teams felt disconnected from the product vision.
Then came the overcorrection. Realizing my previous assumption-based communication wasn’t working, I swung in the opposite direction. I started over-explaining everything, convinced that no one would understand unless I walked them through every minute detail. My communication became verbose and convoluted—losing the clarity and focus needed to move things forward. The core message often got lost, and the result was just as bad as before.
These early struggles with communication became a huge roadblock in my ability to lead teams effectively. While the ideas were good, they weren't reaching people in the right way, and projects stalled. I knew something needed to change.
The Turning Point: Learning the Art of Clear Communication
The turning point for me came when I began working under a manager who was exceptional at simplifying complex ideas. His ability to break down communication into digestible, clear points completely reshaped my approach. He taught me how to think about communication like a story—organized, clear, and memorable. One lesson stuck with me: "If you can’t explain it simply, you probably don’t understand it well enough."
With his guidance, I began structuring my thoughts before speaking, ensuring that each point was clear and logically flowed into the next. This not only helped my colleagues understand me better, but it also made me think more critically about the issues at hand. Around the same time, I picked up Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less by Joseph McCormack. The book was an eye-opener, reinforcing the lessons I was learning from my manager. It highlighted how in today’s overloaded information environment, brevity and clarity are king.
One concept that stood out from Brief was "lean communication"—delivering only what’s necessary to convey the core message. This was a game-changer for me. I realized that long-winded explanations weren’t adding value; they were just cluttering my communication. I also learned the power of storytelling, using real-world examples to make complex concepts relatable. This shift didn’t just improve how I communicated—it transformed the way my team engaged with the product vision.
Implementing Clear Communication: Practical Changes
With these new tools in hand, I began implementing small but powerful changes.
First, I established regular check-ins.
This meant making it a priority to ensure everyone on the team was on the same page. These check-ins became opportunities to clarify objectives, align on goals, and eliminate any assumptions that could cause confusion.
It wasn’t just about talking—I made space for feedback, ensuring that the communication loop was two-way.
I also streamlined my messaging.
Instead of overloading my team with every possible detail, I focused on key points. If more explanation was needed, I provided it, but I made sure to deliver the essentials clearly and concisely. I leveraged tools like concise email summaries and structured meeting agendas, which helped keep communication focused and productive. Clarity became the new standard.
Another key aspect was actively encouraging feedback.
I wanted to know if my communication was clear or if it needed improvement. This not only helped me refine my own approach, but it also fostered an environment where everyone felt comfortable contributing, leading to a more collaborative culture.
The Impact: How Clear Communication Has Improved Product Development
The difference was clear. Decisions were made more swiftly, and the team’s alignment with the product vision became much stronger. Projects progressed with fewer misunderstandings, and the overall efficiency of the team improved. We began to see the benefits in our product releases—clearer objectives led to better execution, and better execution led to better products.
On a personal level, the clarity in communication also boosted my leadership. I felt more confident guiding the team because I knew my message was getting across. This confidence allowed me to tackle challenges head-on and make more decisive, effective decisions. Our product development was more cohesive, and the team's energy and morale noticeably improved.
The Ongoing Journey: Still a Work in Progress
Even with all this progress, I’m the first to admit that I’m not there yet. I still have moments where I fall back into old habits—either assuming too much or over-explaining. The difference now is that I’m more aware of these pitfalls and can correct them more quickly. I’ve learned that communication is a continuous process of refinement, one that requires constant attention.
Listening has also become a bigger part of my communication strategy. I’ve realized that being a good communicator isn’t just about what I say—it’s about truly understanding the concerns and viewpoints of others. That’s something I’m still working on, but it’s become a core part of my communication toolkit.
The Value of Clear Communication
Clear communication has reshaped my approach to product development in profound ways. It’s not just a skill; it’s a mindset that informs every decision, every conversation, and every product we develop. While I’ve made significant progress, I know I’m still on the journey. Communication is something I’ll continue to refine throughout my career.
For anyone in product development—whether you're just starting out or already leading teams—the importance of clear communication cannot be overstated. It’s a skill that needs constant work but delivers immeasurable value. When done right, it aligns teams, speeds up decision-making, and ultimately leads to better products and stronger results. I’m still a work in progress, but the lessons I’ve learned so far have been invaluable, and I hope they can offer you some guidance on your own journey.