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Client Communication Disrupts Developer Focus
Direct client communication destroys developer focus through unpredictable interruptions. GitScrum solves this with ClientFlow for structured client updates, board visibility for self-service status checks, and column subscriber notifications—clients stay informed while developers stay in flow.
The Client Interruption Problem
How Clients Disrupt Development
CLIENT COMMUNICATION PATTERNS:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ TYPICAL INTERRUPTION SOURCES │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ❌ DIRECT CONTACT: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • "Quick question" Slack messages ││
│ │ • Urgent emails needing immediate response ││
│ │ • Phone calls for status updates ││
│ │ • Unscheduled video calls for "clarification" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ ❌ SCOPE CREEP REQUESTS: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • "While you're at it, could you also..." ││
│ │ • "I just thought of something important..." ││
│ │ • "This should be easy, right?" ││
│ │ • "Can we add this before the deadline?" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ ❌ STATUS ANXIETY: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • "Just checking in on progress..." ││
│ │ • "Are we still on track?" ││
│ │ • "When will this be done?" ││
│ │ • "Can you send a quick update?" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
GitScrum Client Management
Features That Reduce Interruptions
| Feature | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Client board access | Self-service status visibility |
| Column notifications | Auto-updates on task progression |
| NoteVault | Shared documentation without meetings |
| Task comments | Async Q&A attached to specific work |
| Reports | Weekly progress without manual reporting |
Implementation Strategy
Setting Up Client Boundaries
- Create client-visible board - Curated view of relevant tasks only
- Configure column subscribers - Auto-email clients on key milestones
- Set up NoteVault - Shared docs for specs and decisions
- Establish response windows - "Client questions answered 2-4 PM daily"
- Train clients on board - Show them where to find status themselves
Communication Flow
STRUCTURED CLIENT COMMUNICATION:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ DEVELOPER-PROTECTED WORKFLOW │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ CLIENT WANTS STATUS: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Old way: Client → Developer (interruption) ││
│ │ New way: Client → Board (self-service) ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ CLIENT HAS QUESTION: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Old way: Direct Slack to developer ││
│ │ New way: Comment on task → PM triages → Dev responds ││
│ │ during designated window ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ CLIENT WANTS CHANGE: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Old way: "Quick call" that derails sprint ││
│ │ New way: New task in backlog → PM prioritizes → ││
│ │ Added to future sprint ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ CLIENT NEEDS UPDATE: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Old way: Manual email from developer ││
│ │ New way: Auto-notification when task reaches ││
│ │ "Ready for Review" or "Done" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘