At some point in our careers we learn that technical expertise, while important, isn’t the sole marker of a high-performing professional. We realize that it’s communication, more specifically, proactive, clear, and thoughtful communication. We notice that it often separates the good from the great. Especially for young professionals, mastering communication early can fast-track their growth and build trust with their leaders. Let me take you through why that’s the case.
Silence is Deafening
Imagine this: I assign a task to a junior engineer. A week passes, and I don’t hear a word. No questions, no updates, nothing. So I naturally find myself wondering are they stuck? Are they making progress? Did they just forget? This silence isn’t neutral, it actually causes friction. Not hearing anything can feel like driving at night without headlights and leaving you guessing at what’s ahead.
There are of reasons why someone might hesitate to communicate. Maybe they’re unsure if their questions will come across as “dumb.” Maybe they don’t want to bother their manager. Or maybe they think, “If I just deliver on time, that’s all that matters.” I understand these reasons, however silence misses out on building the most important currency in the workplace: trust.
Compare that to another scenario: I assign a task, and the engineer takes the initiative to share updates without me having to ask. They send a quick message like, “Here’s what I’m thinking so far. Does this align with what you envisioned?” or “I’ve hit a roadblock here, do you have any suggestions?” Even if they’re on the wrong track, I’m relieved. Why? Because now we can course-correct early, saving time and frustration. When someone communicates proactively, it tells me they’re engaged, they care about the outcome, and they respect the collaborative nature of the work.
Cadence and Context
We can help our young professionals by teaching them a simple phrase: Cadence and Context.
Cadence refers to the rhythm or timing of your communication. It’s about knowing when to update your manager: too often, and you're creating noise; too seldom, and you're leaving them guessing. Effective cadence aligns with meaningful milestones or decision points, moments when your manager’s input can shape outcomes or direction.
Context is about the clarity and depth of your communication. It's giving just enough detail to inform and enable meaningful feedback without overwhelming your audience with unnecessary specifics. Good context lets your manager quickly understand what matters, why it matters, and what needs their attention.
When combined, Cadence and Context create a powerful communication strategy. You’re providing timely updates at moments of impact, clearly and concisely. This approach builds trust, demonstrates maturity, and positions you as someone who doesn’t just complete tasks but actively engages in the success of the team and the project.
Imposter vs. Unconfident
Now, let’s address an uncomfortable truth. Sometimes, lack of communication stems from insecurity about one’s skills. If that’s the case, it’s okay to admit when you’re not sure about something. In fact, asking for help or clarification is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness. I’ve worked with many engineers over the years, and I can tell you this: being unskilled for the job is far less common than simply not knowing how to communicate effectively. And the good news? Communication is a skill you can learn and refine.
For leaders, it’s essential to create an environment where proactive communication is encouraged and rewarded. That starts with setting clear expectations. Let your team know that updates aren’t just a “nice-to-have” but they’re a critical part of the process. And when someone does communicate well, acknowledge it. Reinforce that behavior so it becomes the norm.
To the young professionals reading this, if you want to stand out, start by thinking out loud. Share your progress, your questions, even your uncertainties. Over time, this habit will not only make you a better communicator but also a more trusted team member. And trust? Again that’s the currency of professional growth.
Conclusion
In my experience, the most successful teams I’ve led weren’t just technically skilled; they were aligned, transparent, and collaborative. Proactive communication was the glue that held everything together. So, the next time you’re assigned a task, don’t leave your manager in the dark. Flip on the headlights. Keep them in the loop. It’s a small shift that can make a huge difference and not just for the project, but for your career.
Author Bios
Steven Zgaljic is the Chief Technology Officer at Jahnel Group, Inc., a custom software development firm based in New York. At Jahnel Group, we're passionate about building amazing software that drives businesses forward. We're not just a company - we're a community of rockstar developers who love what we do. From the moment you walk through our door, you'll feel like part of the family. To learn more about Jahnel Group's services, visit jahnelgroup.com or contact Steven at steven@jahnelgroup.