Survey of CIOs shows that translating technical information into clear English is a big issue with techies.
Forty-four per cent of chief information officers (CIOs) polled said that translating complex technical information into layperson's terms is their greatest challenge in working with end users.
The national poll includes responses from 270 CIOs from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees. It was sponsored by RHI Consulting, a high-tech staffing firm.
CIOs were asked, "What do you see as the greatest challenge for technology professionals in working with end users?"
Their responses:
Conveying technical information in non-technical terms...........44%
Prioritizing conflicting deadlines throughout the enterprise.....23%
Managing stress arising from crisis situations...................15%
Learning to interact with a variety of different personalities...12%
None/no challenges............................................... 3%
Other/don't know................................................. 3%
"As technology plays a greater role in a firms' operations, IT specialists are increasingly interacting with co-workers from all lines of business," said Stephen Mill, senior regional manager for RHI Consulting. "Strong communication skills are critical as IT professionals are charged with translating technical concepts into non-technical terms."
Mill offers the following tips for more effective communication:
•Avoid buzzwords. When presenting complex issues, keep the use of technical jargon to a minimum by relying on analogies and simple diagrams.
•Don't jump to conclusions. You may feel you already understand the employee's technical problem, but commit your full attention to what he has to say before responding.
•Show empathy. Know going in that each person's perspective is unique. Try to understand your colleagues' individual points of view and acknowledge their concerns.
•Say it in person. Though e-mail and the telephone are convenient tools, schedule one-on-one and group meetings for planning and solution-oriented discussions.
•Be patient. Some people take longer than others to understand technical issues. Try using different phrases or illustrations until everyone has grasped the concept.
The national poll includes responses from 270 CIOs from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees. It was sponsored by RHI Consulting, a high-tech staffing firm.
CIOs were asked, "What do you see as the greatest challenge for technology professionals in working with end users?"
Their responses:
Conveying technical information in non-technical terms...........44%
Prioritizing conflicting deadlines throughout the enterprise.....23%
Managing stress arising from crisis situations...................15%
Learning to interact with a variety of different personalities...12%
None/no challenges............................................... 3%
Other/don't know................................................. 3%
"As technology plays a greater role in a firms' operations, IT specialists are increasingly interacting with co-workers from all lines of business," said Stephen Mill, senior regional manager for RHI Consulting. "Strong communication skills are critical as IT professionals are charged with translating technical concepts into non-technical terms."
Mill offers the following tips for more effective communication:
•Avoid buzzwords. When presenting complex issues, keep the use of technical jargon to a minimum by relying on analogies and simple diagrams.
•Don't jump to conclusions. You may feel you already understand the employee's technical problem, but commit your full attention to what he has to say before responding.
•Show empathy. Know going in that each person's perspective is unique. Try to understand your colleagues' individual points of view and acknowledge their concerns.
•Say it in person. Though e-mail and the telephone are convenient tools, schedule one-on-one and group meetings for planning and solution-oriented discussions.
•Be patient. Some people take longer than others to understand technical issues. Try using different phrases or illustrations until everyone has grasped the concept.
