Don’t Be a ‘Communication Bully’: Cut the Jargon to Communicate Clearly in Tech — In conversation with Vanessa G. Hall
Clear and effective communication between and across teams is essential at any successful business, but especially so in the field of technology — where the subject matter can be particularly difficult to decipher for those without a technical background. For all stakeholders to work together toward a common goal, everybody must have equal access to and understanding of critical information.
Today we are in conversation with Dr. Vanessa G. Hall, a business owner and leader in the field of Information Technology. With decades of experience working in technology worldwide, Dr. Hall has the know-how and understanding to communicate across cultural complexities and align people behind common strategies and goals.
Vanessa, one of your strengths is your ability to translate tech-talk into business-talk. How are you able to untangle complex topics, so all relevant parties understand the matters at hand and can effectively work together?
“You know, that’s a hard one and it’s taken me a long time to learn, but I just got off a call about this very thing. We were trying to determine how long it’s going to take to get a new product into production. And really, that’s the only thing this business wanted to know… how long it’s going to take to get that product out. Maybe they had seen a date on a dashboard that made no sense.
So, in this case, I simply explained the process, which is that when a tech team sits down to start working on a release, we first make sure we understand the business’ requirements and priorities. And we put those requirements in the order that we will be delivering them. I want the customer to understand that we heard their needs and are prioritizing them.
And then, if we have issues, which we sometimes do, I just come out and explain them. Maybe somebody was too aggressive with the due date. I just say that, instead of going into some long and drawn out explanation. And people always say, “Why didn’t you just tell me that in the first place?” All this business wanted to know was why and how long it’s going to take this product to the customer.
It’s also important to recognize that communication goes both ways, of course, so I also make sure the tech team understands what the customer wants. To do this, you really need to understand the system. You know, not everybody wants to do that. They don’t want to dig deep. But, if you really understand what’s happening, then you don’t have to beat around the bush. You can break down a project in common terms that everybody can understand.
Ultimately, you simply need to cut out all the corporate jargon. Just talk to people like you’re talking to anybody.”
So you’re communicating with both teams in a way that’s understandable, digestible and easy, so they can take action immediately?
“Yes! I always say, ‘Just don’t be a communication bully.” That’s how I look at it.”
Thank you for sharing your insights, Vanessa!
More about Vanessa: Dr. Vanessa G. Hall is an accomplished Information Technology (IT) professional with more than 24 years of experience worldwide. She is the owner of Crossroads Information Technology Group (IT Group). Dr. Hall has a proven ability to implement change while building productive and trust-based relationships.
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
