In her presentation, "Minimizing Barriers to Effective Communication," Sue Freas, Director of DevSecOps Engineering at Humana, dives into the intricacies of communication as a critical leadership skill. Freas argues that effective communication goes beyond simply conveying information; it requires mindfulness about clarity, trust-building, and engagement strategies. She opens with a humorous story highlighting the impact of even minor communication slip-ups, underscoring how easily misunderstandings arise from ambiguities—like a misplaced comma.

Freas emphasizes that leaders need to be aware of their "scary" status in their teams' eyes, a perception that can hinder open dialogue and honest feedback. By creating trust, showing vulnerability, and ensuring follow-through, leaders can foster a space where team members feel secure in speaking up. Freas also advocates for intentional silence, allowing others space to contribute and reinforcing that leadership communication isn’t just about words but also about listening actively.

To keep teams engaged, Freas suggests dynamic meeting styles and adapting language for clarity, encouraging leaders to avoid jargon and acronyms unless they're universally understood. Her advice also covers the nuances of individual preferences and learning styles, highlighting that flexibility is vital to effective communication.

The talk culminates with practical guidance: reinforce your message through varied repetition, use simple language, and be specific in praise to encourage replicable behaviors. By focusing on clear, personalized communication, Freas believes leaders can minimize misunderstandings, boost team morale, and ultimately create a more productive, engaged work environment.