Eight Ways To Break Down Complicated Tech Issues For Your Non-Tech Colleagues

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Expert Panel, Forbes Technology Council



Technology is complicated. No matter how experienced you are in tech development, there's always the possibility of glitches and bugs, which can mean needed updates to your organization's software, procedures or security.

When this happens, it's important to keep everyone in your company on the same page. However, it can be difficult explaining some of the more esoteric issues to less tech-savvy individuals in other departments. To find out which approaches work best, we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members to share the techniques they use to communicate complicated tech issues to non-tech colleagues. Here's what they advise:

1. Use Visuals And Words That Make Sense To A Lay Audience

It is best to communicate cross-functionally using pictures and words that resonate with the recipient. I ensure that the people down in the trenches understand what is being done and how it will make their life easier. Anything short of that is a waste. - Rohit Jain, Harvard Business School Association of Northern California

2. Develop A Validation Master Plan

Validation master planning is the best technical document we use to communicate with various small and medium-sized enterprises at a biopharmaceutical manufacturer. This internal and external communication tool clearly defines roles and responsibilities, methodology and expected outcomes. This approach is especially important when validating critical information systems in the cold chain logistics network. - Gary Hutchinson, Modality Solutions


3. Focus On The Overall Results

Non-technical departments are often more concerned with business results and less concerned about the tech required to achieve them. I tend to focus primarily on business problems, only diving into technical implementation details when asked. - Damon Henry, KORTX

4. Agree On A Common Language

Because they operate in very different contexts, business and tech leaders constantly speak past each other. The key thing I do is to have them to agree on a common language that spans their spheres. For example, while the business wants more product features and technologists keep talking about architecture and APIs, ensuring that both sides have a common understanding of the effects of technical debt is key. - Mik Kersten, Tasktop

Read more in Five Steps To Improving The Overlooked Skill Of Effective Email Communication

5. Distill The Issue To Its Simplest Form

Understand the problem holistically and how it affects team members and stakeholders. Distill it down to its most basic components and solve them one by one while maintaining a definite chief aim. This is where creativity and teamwork kick in. - Justin Metros, Universal Standard

6. Practice Listening And Empathy

Communication starts with your ability to listen intently. Our desire to speak our mind before the person has finished talking is strong. It's important to understand all the data coming your way before responding. Deploying empathy and understanding how your department heads arrived at their decisions allows you to then discover any holes in their logic when making critical decisions. - Glenn Orgin, Richr Inc

7. Try Using Analogies

I try to use analogies and metaphors to allow our teams to relate complicated tech issues to something very human. For example, when explaining how to use social media to gain constructive influence, the familiar metaphor, "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar," is helpful. - Flint Brenton, CollabNet VersionOne

8. Make Clear, Collaborative Communication A Part Of Your Culture

Clearly communicating complex tech issues between developers, marketers and client success can be challenging. Establishing a collaborative culture in which every department is communicating regularly makes it possible for these issues to be solved with in-depth understanding. For example, weekly stand-up meetings give employees the ability to express challenges and provide meaningful solutions. - Kison Patel, DealRoom
