At times, it can seem that your tech team is speaking a different language from the rest of your employees. In order to create an environment more conducive to collaborative problem solving, follow these tips to get everyone on the same page.
Don’t Assume Everyone Knows What You Are Talking About
When your tech team is working directly with other business teams, it is important to never assume that everyone is fully aware of the latest technology. This includes product names, as well as technical background functions that occur in the background of many software solutions. Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of how the task is performed, concentrate on the activity required for the user to begin the process, or keep it moving, and what end results are provided.
Limit the Unnecessary Use of Industry Jargon
Along a similar line of the last tip, even if other team members are fairly tech savvy in regards to function, many may not be familiar with the jargon and slang that is specific to the tech industry. In order to facilitate higher-quality conversations, limit the use of jargon when possible. In cases where it is difficult to avoid, make sure to take the opportunity to provide additional information to help define the term.
Understand that Other Business Areas May Feel Out of Touch
Not only will some of the topics and terminology feel very foreign to other workgroups, it may make them feel incredibly out of place, even intimidated. This can be similar to the feeling one gets when interacting with other professionals in certain areas, such as surgeons or lawyers. Don’t assume that, if no one asks questions, the topic is fully understood. Be prepared to take your time and offer additional explanations for clarification.
Forgive the Misuse of Tech-Specific Terms
Certain common terms within the tech community are often accidentally interchanged. For example, it is not uncommon for a person who is less technical to use the word memory to refer to both a hard drive and RAM. When your tech team is not completely sure which component another business area is referring to, make sure the time is taken to get clarification.
Learn About the Other Business Areas
Just as other business areas may be less familiar with the goings-on in the technical department, the technical department may be highly unfamiliar with the work performed in other departments as well. Give your technical employees the chance to learn about the other sections they are working with by facilitating a conversation that helps them understand what problem the other department is trying to solve with a technical solution. Allow them to see how a process works now, and have the failings of the current system demonstrated.
By taking the time to get everyone communicating properly, work between your tech team and your other business areas will become more natural, and more productive.
If you are looking for more information on helping your teams collaborate more effectively, or are looking for your next star employee, The Squires Group is here to help. With experience helping clients in fulfilling their hiring needs, The Squires Group has the knowledge and expertise to make your team the strongest it has ever been. Contact us today and see what we have to offer.
