

TL011: Getting the Entire Team to Speak
Apr 10, 2025
Daniel Ward, a .NET developer and Microsoft MVP, dives into the art of fostering communication within teams. He explores why everyone’s voice matters and the challenges of creating psychological safety. Strategies like pair programming and live code reviews are highlighted to ensure quiet members contribute. The episode also discusses the balance between dominant and reticent team members, aiming for equitable participation. Ward shares insights on technical blogging and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing team dynamics.
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Natural Speaking Tendencies
- People naturally vary in how much they speak; some are quiet, others talk more.
- Without intentional effort, teams default to a few dominating conversations and quieter others.
Collective Intelligence Matters
- Group collective intelligence impacts team performance beyond individual IQs.
- Daniel Ward linked this to his interest in psychology and how teams communicate.
Pair Programming Builds Empathy
- Use pair programming to build empathy and increase engagement between team members.
- Pairing helps newer members learn and encourages natural mentorships.