Mar 27, 20233 min
Updated: Jan 4
Rework.
Scope creep.
Silent conflicts.
Request from the business - “Can you figure out what’s best?”
Request from the business - “Please create this app…quickly!”
Remark from the business - “This is not what I expected. And you guys took so long.”
Ong Whee Teck, a technologist leader with over 30 years of experience working with many organizations in their digital transformations, asserts,
"Technology is not the issue, it is the lack of clarity of the problem. Clients become the solution designer before engaging the technologist, but sometimes the problem is technical, process or organizational. So when the projects don't yield the outcomes, technology tends to be blamed."
In most cases, tech people want to do good work. They usually want to be liked and strive to be helpful to make meaningful contributions.
At the same time, tech people may prefer to keep conversations brief, focused on the technical side of things, and avoid conversations that involve feelings and touchy topics. Some tech professionals may also feel uncomfortable expressing their concerns and feel ill-equipped to be assertive or deal with the emotions of others.
Which conversation is more likely to solve the client’s business problem?
What happens if the chatbot is developed and the problem is not solved? Who will be blamed?
Which conversation will enable the Tech person to get their expertise used more?
Which conversation will save time and money for the organization in the long run?
Not negotiating for an equal 50:50 partner role and addressing the human side of the work has led to lose-lose situations, creating endless frustration and finally an impasse. The business does not leverage the expertise of its tech resources fully and has a hard time introducing innovation. Tech people themselves feel frustrated, even though they want to do good work and create innovative solutions too!
"The ingredient for true success is soft skills, in how we engage our clients,"
quips Whee Teck. Tech people can be the bridge between the end users and the business, understanding the needs of both and finding win-win solutions that will satisfy both parties.
They need to state their wants clearly and assertively so that they have the scope to do good work. Tech people also need to be skilled to deal with resistance and pushback so that they understand the underlying concerns of their clients. Finally, be curious to discover the underlying dimensions of the problem, and recommend effective solutions.
In short, Tech people need to manage the human dynamics of the partnerships skilfully. Flawless Consulting skills help Tech people do just that!
Co-create solutions to solve problems. Technology is at its best when it can bring people together, allowing collaboration, creativity, and progress. By leveraging technology and forming these kinds of partnerships, any business or organization can take meaningful steps and achieve its goals.
Case Study: Technologist As A Partner | Flawless Consulting®
Flame Centre | Future Skills Institute
How to build trust with clients, help and add value.
How to discover client needs, provide support and effective recommendations.
How to develop a collaborative relationship so you can achieve long-term partnership.
Check out the Flawless Consulting® framework, tools and skills.