Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Bilingualism in Tech and Business
It's time for a two-way street in the language of business and tech.
Hey folks, Chad here. You know, in my career, I've noticed a fascinating phenomenon. It's like we're in the Tower of Babel, but we speak in business and tech instead of different languages. And let me tell you, these two dialects could not be more different.
Now, I've always been a bit of a translator, a bridge between these two worlds. I've found that I can speak both "Business Executive" and "Technical Engineer" fluently, which has been a game-changer in my career. Especially in cybersecurity, it often feels like CEOs, COOs, and boards are on a different planet than CISOs.
But here's the kicker: it's often easier to teach a business person technical acumen than to teach a technical person soft skills. Don't get me wrong, both are challenging, but in my experience, the former is more feasible. And this isn't just me talking. Research shows that technical experts often struggle when they try to apply their problem-solving skills to leadership challenges (source).
But here's the thing: it shouldn't all be on the technical teams to learn soft skills. Business executives and boards must make an effort to learn technical as well. And often, this will be easier and less stressful. In fact, studies have shown that technical skills are crucial for business success (source).
So, how do we bridge this gap? Well, it's a two-way street. Business folks, take a coding class or complete a track on TryHackMe. Tech folks, read a book on business strategy. And for the love of all things digital, let's start speaking the same language.
And if you're struggling with this, remember, I'm here to help. As a consultant, I can serve as a translator, helping both sides understand each other and work together to meet objectives.
So, let's get to work. Because in the end, we're all on the same team.
Key Takeaways:
There's a significant communication gap between business executives and technical engineers.
It's often easier to teach business acumen to technical people than the other way around.
Both sides need to make an effort to learn each other's language.
Hiring a consultant like Chad can help bridge this gap.
Action Items:
Business folks, consider taking a coding or technical class.
Tech folks, consider learning more about business strategy.
Consider hiring a consultant to help bridge the communication gap.
Remember, folks, it's not about who's right or wrong. It's about working together to achieve our goals. And if you need a translator, you know where to find me.
Until next time, keep bridging those gaps!
Chad