An Imperfect Guide To Impact and Intent: Kubernetes and CNCF Code of Conduct in Practice

The Core Concept of Impact and Intent

Impact refers to the information received by others from speech, which cannot be fully controlled. Intent represents the message the speaker originally intended to convey, which may differ from the impact. For example, a brief response in a GitHub issue might be misinterpreted as disrespectful, even if the original intention was to assist.

Common Misunderstandings in Communication

1. Cross-Timezone Collaboration Context

A message like "Cool. Done for the day." sent after work hours might be perceived as dismissing someone's ideas. Key point: Failing to consider the recipient's time investment and emotional state can lead to accumulated misunderstandings.

2. Misunderstandings in Technical Discussions

Excessive random comments in PR discussions may pressure participants. For instance, an engineer's quick Slack response might not account for the recipient's need for more time to understand the context.

Communication Strategies and Practical Methods

1. Slow Down

• Principle: Do not need to respond immediately to any message
• Exception: Immediate response required for critical life issues
• Practice: Allow time to organize thoughts in GitHub PR or Slack discussions
• Recommendation: Avoid the "question-and-answer" model in technical discussions; instead, use phrases like "I'm trying to understand this concept" to express intent

2. Intentional Expression

• Specific Practices:
  • Clearly state your intent: "I'm trying to understand X. Do you have other perspectives?"
  • Convey respect through tone: "I understand this might be stressful. What are your suggestions?"
• Case Study: In engineering meetings, proactively state "I raise these questions to better understand, not to question" to reduce misunderstandings

3. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity

• Key Point: Different cultural backgrounds may lead to varying impacts from the same words
• Practice Recommendations:
  • Consider potential differences in perspectives
  • Actively ask for the other party's viewpoint: "What's your opinion on this issue? Would you share more context?"

4. Empathetic Communication Framework

• Conversation Principles: Based on empathy, respect, and attention
• Practice Steps:
  1. Acknowledge the other party's emotions: "I understand this might be difficult for you"
  2. Express resonance: "I share your concerns about this issue"
  3. Request more information: "Could you tell me more about the details of this issue?"
  4. Provide affirmation: "Thank you for sharing these thoughts"

Common Misuses and Countermeasures

• Misuse Phenomenon: Treating "good intentions" as an excuse to avoid responsibility
• Correct Approach:
  • Both parties must make efforts: Actively convey respectful tone and demonstrate willingness to listen
  • Avoid blaming the other party for lacking good intentions
• Key Reminder: In written communication, use tone, punctuation, and other non-verbal elements to convey emotions

Special Considerations in Technical Contexts

• Challenge of Written Communication: Lack of non-verbal cues like tone and expressions
• Practice Recommendations:
  • Avoid overly brief responses in PR discussions
  • When unable to respond immediately, clearly state: "I need time to think and will reply tomorrow"
  • Avoid the "question-and-answer" model; instead, use open-ended questions to promote in-depth discussions

Summary Recommendations

• Core Principle: In technical communities, balance between "intent" and "impact" is essential
• Key Practices:
  • Cultivate the habit of slowing down in communication
  • Actively convey respect and empathy
  • Identify potential misunderstandings caused by cultural differences
  • Develop awareness and skills for bidirectional communication