Communication Patterns

Epilogue

Now we come to the end of this narrative. I hope that I have managed to “get the ball over the net,” to borrow a phrase from Michel Thomas that I quoted in the Preface, in conveying the true importance of successful communication in the technology arena and beyond.

You have learned that communication is not simply about getting someone to understand you. Communication is building relationships, fostering trust, solving problems, motivating people, promoting efficiency, and (possibly most important) making people feel seen and respected.

In this book, I have brought together teachings from many diverse areas, mixed them with my own ideas and experience, and applied them to software architecture and business communication. I mentioned that diversity in people and teams has benefits. Learning from diverse areas also has benefits, including finding new understanding and making connections that others cannot see, and I have passed that on to you in this book.

Communication is a part of every job, and in the technology arena, we have perhaps the most diverse set of tools and methods for communication. This wide selection has advantages and disadvantages, and what you have learned in this book will help you maximize the advantages and mitigate the disadvantages.

As we close this book together, remember that communication is a dynamic, ever-evolving process. Our journey here may be ending, but yours is just beginning. Take the lessons from this book, apply them in your work, ...