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Re:Ask HN: Impossible client? Impossible playing field? by orangethirty on Monday November 26, 2012 @09:07PM (#4835255)
Anytime you have communications problems just do the following. Tell them "Hey $name, I'm really focused on getting this project done the way you want it. But I seem to have misunderstood some past points. Could you refresh my understanding of the goals we have to work towards? Thanks!"

They will either:

- Ask you what your doubts/issues are.

- Make up their minds as to what the next step is.

* Or fire you. :) Either way, you dont want to work with people who you cannot communicate with.

Re:Ask HN: Impossible client? Impossible playing field? by chris_dcosta on Tuesday November 27, 2012 @06:01AM (#4836600)
"Either way, you dont want to work with people who you cannot communicate with."

Don't agree with this at all. There will always be non-technicians who you have to communicate with. If you can't express what it is you need to communicate in non-technical language it is your problem, not theirs.

i would rightly fire someone who refused to at least try to make an effort to see it from my point of view, and continue.

Re:Ask HN: Impossible client? Impossible playing field? by orangethirty on Thursday November 29, 2012 @08:50AM (#4847637)
What I meant is that he should not work in places where communication is not important. Meaning companies where there is a culture of them versus us. Of course its important to be able to communicate to non-technical people. It is a required skill. So, can I have my job back? :)
Re:Ask HN: Impossible client? Impossible playing field? by xauronx on Tuesday November 27, 2012 @09:25AM (#4837218)
Agreed, but regardless of who's at fault with the lack of communication you still won't WANT to work with them. The concept being that you should want to do your work and be happy, so fix your communication problems regardless of who's fault they are.