docs(notes): update work communication notes for 2025-03-21

Author: lzwjava

notes/2025-03-21-work-communication-en.md

@@ -173,3 +173,44 @@ By following these strategies, you’ll navigate communication effectively as a
 
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+As a software engineer working as a contractor in a bank, effective communication is essential to navigate the structured and often regulated environment while balancing independence with collaboration. Below are tailored strategies to help you manage queries, choose the right communication channels, and document your work effectively.
+
+---
+
+### When to Find Answers Yourself vs. Asking Colleagues
+- **Start with Self-Research**: For non-urgent issues, spend 15-30 minutes checking documentation (e.g., Confluence, internal wikis), codebases, or past tickets (e.g., Jira). This demonstrates initiative and respects your colleagues' time.
+- **Ask Colleagues When Necessary**: If you're stuck after a reasonable effort or the issue is urgent (e.g., blocking a deadline or impacting production), reach out to a colleague immediately. In a bank, time-sensitive tasks like regulatory reporting may require faster escalation.
+
+---
+
+### How Often to Ask Questions
+- **Batch Non-Urgent Questions**: Group 2-3 related questions and ask them at once to avoid frequent interruptions. For example, instead of sending multiple messages throughout the day, consolidate your queries and ask during a scheduled check-in or at the end of the day.
+- **Ask Immediately for Urgent Issues**: If a problem is critical or time-sensitive, don’t hesitate to reach out right away. Banks often have strict deadlines, so prompt communication is key in these cases.
+
+---
+
+### Choosing the Right Communication Channels
+Different situations call for different tools. Here’s how to use each effectively:
+- **Direct Messages (DM) in Microsoft Teams**: Use for quick, one-on-one questions (e.g., “Where’s the config file for X?”). Keep it concise and informal.
+- **Group Chats in Teams**: Ideal for questions that benefit the team or require input from multiple people (e.g., “Does anyone know how the Y service authenticates?”). Avoid using group chats for overly specific or personal queries.
+- **Emails**: Use for formal communication that needs a record, such as confirming decisions, sending status updates, or escalating issues. Keep emails clear and structured (e.g., bullet points).
+- **Zoom/Video Calls**: Reserve for complex discussions that require real-time interaction, like debugging a tricky issue or clarifying requirements. Schedule calls in advance when possible and come prepared with an agenda.
+
+---
+
+### When to Document in Confluence
+- **Document Regularly**: In a bank, documentation is crucial for compliance, audits, and knowledge sharing. Aim to update Confluence once or twice a week with reusable knowledge (e.g., setup guides, troubleshooting steps) or solutions to common problems.
+- **Focus on High-Impact Content**: Document when your findings can help others or when you’ve resolved unclear issues. For example, after solving an authentication problem, add a brief note like “Authentication uses Y protocol, see Z repo.”
+- **Follow Up Verbally Confirmed Decisions**: If a decision is made verbally (e.g., during a call), document it in Confluence or via email to maintain a record (e.g., “Confirming: We’re using OAuth for X, per our discussion”).
+
+---
+
+### Additional Tips for a Banking Environment
+- **Respect Hierarchies**: Start by asking peers or your immediate point of contact (e.g., team lead) before escalating to senior managers.
+- **Be Professional and Clear**: Banks value precision. Use clear, concise language in all communications, especially in emails and group chats.
+- **Build Relationships**: Being approachable and respectful will make colleagues more willing to help. A friendly demeanor can go a long way in a structured environment.
+- **Ask About Team Preferences**: Early on, clarify with your manager or team lead: “How should I handle questions—search first, then ask? What are the preferred communication channels?” This shows proactivity and helps you align with team norms.
+
+---
+
+By following these strategies, you’ll communicate effectively while respecting the bank’s structured environment. Start by researching independently, ask thoughtfully, choose the right channels, and document regularly to contribute to the team’s success.