I lost my job for being right.
26 Communication Lessons from 30 Years in Tech
Here's the truth nobody tells you: technical skills get you hired. Communication skills get you promoted—or fired.
In 2005, I was a senior developer at HP. I was right about a technical decision. I knew it. My code proved it.
But I said it the wrong way, to the wrong people, at the wrong time. I got put on 12-month probation. I quit on the spot. I didn't work as a software developer again for three years.
That was expensive lesson #1 of many.
Over 30 years at HP, Compaq, Dell, Disney, and startups of all sizes, I've made every communication mistake in the book—and eventually learned what actually works.
This book is 26 chapters of those lessons, written so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
Why "The Answer is Yes" opens doors you didn't know existed—and when to use it.
The magic phrase that transformed my relationship with every manager I've had.
A framework for professional pushback that earns respect instead of resentment.
How to stay calm when everything is on fire—and why the email you send in anger is the one you'll regret forever.
The phrases that undermine your credibility without you even knowing it.
How to maintain your integrity in environments that pressure you to compromise it.
These aren't personality traits. They're skills. And skills can be learned.
4.6★ on Amazon (17 reviews)
Useful advice for anyone at any stage of their professional career… Much of the advice lines up with things I have learned the hard way; if I'd had this advice when I was starting out, I might have caught some things before they became problems.
— Mariel, Amazon reviewer
What is there is very good and distilled down to just the core essence… quite a good book and the majority of people who read it will benefit from its advice, especially given that it's a quick read.
— Matt Eland, software engineering educator
As a professional software developer I was glad to find a book of this nature written by a fellow software developer… I was able to take away some advice that I will start applying immediately in and outside of the workplace.
— S. Kraemer, Amazon reviewer
Mike's book shows the importance of knowing when to be brutally honest, and when to keep stuff to yourself… professionalism is not only about doing, but also being.
— Federico Peñaranda, IT professional
Such a fun and enlightening read! Mike has a real gift with storytelling and this talent shines through in each chapter. Highly recommend for anyone in the professional world and in particular technology.
— D. Solomon, Amazon reviewer
26 chapters. 30 years of lessons. Zero fluff.
Questions? Email michael@walkingriver.com