How do you collaborate and communicate with other cloud network stakeholders and partners?

2 Establish clear and consistent communication channels

The second step to collaborate and communicate well with other cloud network stakeholders and partners is to establish clear and consistent communication channels and protocols. Communication is essential for sharing information, resolving issues, and coordinating actions in cloud networking. To ensure successful communication, you need to use appropriate communication tools and methods for different purposes and audiences. For example, emails should be clear, concise, and relevant with a clear subject line, a polite greeting and closing, a specific purpose and action, and a proper signature. Phone calls should be scheduled in advance, have an agenda and notes prepared, be spoken clearly and politely, listened to actively and respectfully, and end with confirming the outcomes and next steps. When using chat platforms such as Slack, Teams, or Discord, follow the chat etiquette and norms, use proper grammar and punctuation, avoid jargon and slang, and respect the availability and privacy of others. Video calls should use reliable video platforms such as Zoom, Skype or Webex; test audio/video quality; dress/behave professionally; minimize distractions/interruptions; use screen sharing/annotations when needed.

3 Share and document your cloud network knowledge and resources

The third step to collaborate and communicate well with other cloud network stakeholders and partners is to share and document your cloud network knowledge and resources. To do this, you should use suitable cloud network documentation and sharing tools and practices, such as diagrams, code, and dashboards. Diagrams are a visual way to represent the structure and configuration of your cloud network, while code is a precise way to define and manage your cloud network resources. Dashboards are a dynamic way to monitor the performance of your cloud network. You should follow best practices for each of these tools, such as using standard symbols for diagrams, clear naming conventions for code, and relevant data sources for dashboards. Additionally, you should store, track, and share your cloud network code in repositories and version control systems. Finally, you should communicate your cloud network dashboards with other stakeholders, as well as the actions and recommendations that derive from them.

4 Collaborate and communicate with empathy and respect

The fourth step to collaborate and communicate well with other cloud network stakeholders and partners is to collaborate and communicate with empathy and respect. It is important to build and maintain positive relationships, as well as understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. To do this, you should be proactive and responsive in your communication, initiating and maintaining regular contact with others while responding to inquiries promptly. You should also be transparent and accountable, sharing your goals, plans, and progress while explaining your decisions and actions. Additionally, it is essential to be constructive and respectful in giving feedback, suggesting solutions, and valuing the diversity of others. This will help you avoid conflicts while fostering an atmosphere of trust and understanding.

5 Keep learning and improving your cloud network skills and practices

The fifth step to collaborate and communicate well with other cloud network stakeholders and partners is to keep learning and improving your cloud network skills and practices. Cloud networking is a dynamic and evolving field that necessitates constant adaptation and innovation. To stay up-to-date, you should read the latest news, articles, blogs, books, and whitepapers on cloud networking. Additionally, you should explore the different cloud network services and platforms, evaluate their advantages and disadvantages for your project, practice with different tools and methods, create and test your own projects and scenarios, use online labs or simulators to practice in a safe environment, learn from other stakeholders and partners, join online or offline communities related to cloud networking, as well as take advantage of online or offline courses or workshops.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?