“Connecting Beyond Code: The Importance of Coffee Chats In Tech”

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

I often find myself engrossed in my work and the latest technology trends. However, this week at Strategio, I had the opportunity to take a break from my routine and participate in a mock “Coffee Chat” with two trainers. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of connecting with colleagues outside of my immediate team, and the benefits of having Coffee Chats at work.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a Coffee Chat is an informal meeting between colleagues, usually held over a cup of coffee or tea. The goal is to get to know one another, share experiences and expertise, and learn about each other’s interests and perspectives. These chats can be a valuable opportunity for professionals to expand their networks, build relationships, and gain insights that they might not have access to otherwise.

During the mock Coffee Chat at Strategio, I was able to ask the trainers questions about their roles and experiences in the company. They shared their perspectives on the training process and provided insights on how I can better collaborate with trainers and others in the company to improve our products. I also learned about their hobbies and interests, which helped me see them in a more personal light.

Here are a few tips for having successful Coffee Chats:

1. Be prepared: Before the chat, do some research on the person you’re meeting with, their role, and their interests. This will help you come up with good questions to ask and make the conversation flow more smoothly.
2. Be curious: Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to the answers. This will help you gain insights into the person’s experiences and perspectives, and could lead to new ideas or opportunities.
3. Be respectful: Remember that Coffee Chats are meant to be informal and friendly, but still professional. Avoid controversial or sensitive topics, and keep the conversation focused on the person’s interests and experiences.

So, why are Coffee Chats important for professionals? Here are a few benefits:

1. Expand your network: Meeting with colleagues from different teams or departments can help you build a broader network within your company. This can be valuable for collaboration, finding mentors or advocates, and even advancing your career.
2. Learn from others: By hearing about the experiences and perspectives of others, you can gain new insights and ideas that could help you in your own work. You might also learn about new tools or techniques that you hadn’t considered before.
3. Build relationships: Having informal chats with colleagues can help you build stronger relationships with them, which could lead to more effective collaboration and even friendship.

Coffee Chats can be a valuable tool for professionals, allowing them to expand their networks, learn from others, and build relationships. I now see the value in stepping outside of my technical work to engage with colleagues from other areas of the company. I encourage others to do the same and see where these conversations can take them.