> [!NOTE] > I spend a significant amount of time each day talking and interacting with people. The purpose of writing this document is to establish more effective communication with each other. These are some points that we can potentially enhance our communication and have more effective interactions, but let's not forget that we are all human beings. We don't necessarily have to strictly follow these guidelines; whenever you feel like, we can have friendly conversations outside any specific framework. ## Key points **General:** - You can schedule meetings at your convenience through [Cal.com](https://cal.com/navidk), just write the agenda & purpose of the meeting in the description in advance so that I can be better prepared. - Let me know what you want/need to hear from me. Whether you are looking for a specific solution, seeking consultation, or just want to be heard, or if you need support and empathy. - Please be on time for the scheduled meetings. If you're running even a few minutes late, please inform me beforehand. Keep in mind that I would only wait for up to 5 minutes on each meeting, after that I assume the meeting is canceled. - Please avoid starting a conversation with "Hi, how are you?" and then wait for a response before stating your message. Write down the message you want to convey, and rest assured that I will respond as soon as possible. - There is a book called "[Don't Make Me Think](https://ui-ux.org/product/dont-make-me-think/)" which is one of the most well-known books in the field of UX (User Experience). It has been translated into Farsi as well, and I recommend reading it. The name conveys the general idea. As an example, if you are discussing an issue, a document, etc., it's always helpful to include a link to it. - In written communication, either write in English or Persian. No Finglish (a mix of Farsi and English)! - Please remember that my opinions or views are not a Aye-e-Quran and may change or be subject to mistakes. Therefore, it is not only acceptable but also helpful to disagree with them. - I am relatively straightforward. If there is an issue, I will communicate it directly and clearly. So please do not misinterpret my words. What I say is what I mean. - Plans, opinions, and perspectives can change as we encounter new information every day and are constantly learning. - For online meetings, I prefer Google Meet over WhatsApp & Zoom. - The key criterion for holding a meeting is to set in on calendar. Please make sure to include the Google Meet link on the calendar for all scheduled sessions. Colleagues: - I don't insist on starting conversations with greetings and small talk, and I don't expect you to do so either. - I would greatly appreciate hearing your own proposed solutions first when discussing an issue. - If we have reached a conclusion and agreement in a conversation, let's consider it closed and not bring it up again. - Focus on solution-oriented discussions. The goal is to address and resolve the problem, not repeating it. - When receiving messages, my top priority is text-based communication rather than voice messages. But note that you can also record videos when explaining different tools, features, functions, etc. - I'm not a fan of excessive meetings. If an issue can be discussed as a task, message, email, or a video, lets avoid setting meetings for it. Read [Status Meetings Are the Scourge](https://basecamp.com/articles/status-meetings-are-the-scourge) & [Meetings Are Toxic](https://basecamp.com/gettingreal/07.3-meetings-are-toxic) to have a better understanding. - Try to keep meetings short and schedule 30 minutes meetings as possible. - I perceive instructive criticism/feedback as positive. So, please don't worry and feel free to express anything that's on your mind. From my perspective, criticism shows that you care (that the matter is important to you). ## For internal use (my teammates) In addition to above items, these points guide us to a more effective communication during my less-available times. > [!hint] > It's important that our communication follows an [asynchronous approach](https://asana.com/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-communication). ### Navigating Challenges Together Before approaching me with inquiries, try following below steps and ask yourself: - What is the problem? - Is it really a problem or do I consider it as one? - Write the problem in simple terms, gathering relevant information. - Ask ChatGPT and search google for the solution - What are your suggestions? > [!NOTE] > Remember if you could not jump into a conclusion, you can send over the inquiry to be reviewed. To get a better answer, make sure to explain the context clearly. You can even use audio or video messages to help explain better. ### Enhancing Meeting Effectiveness Whenever a discussion or meeting is necessary, you can still book a time slot through [my Appointment Schedule](https://cal.com/navidk/). But to ensure their effectiveness: - Provide a clear reason for my participation in meetings, specifying the questions or support you seek from me. - create a clear meeting agenda, outlining the topics we need to discuss and any tasks we need to prepare before the meeting. - Clarify how I can contribute constructively to the discussions.