- One of the biggest challenges to digital transformation
is engaging with your non-technical staff
to help them understand what,
how, and why things are changing.
It doesn't help that IT has a tendency
to assume that everyone has the same level
of technical proficiency.
When a developer starts talking,
don't be surprised when he dives into technical jargon.
That's the way he's used to thinking about stuff.
The reality is that there are wide differences
in comfort level and understanding of technology.
And I don't subscribe to the belief
that it's generational either.
Not all Millennials grew up teething on tablets.
This gets back to things I've spoken about before:
the need to understand your audiences
and to communicate with them in language
that they can understand.
That's audiences, plural.
Not everyone is in the same place at the same level.
Once again, the principles of transition management
are your guide here.
Since you've already been talking to people
to gauge their needs and their readiness for change,
by this time you should have a good idea
of who your audiences are.
If not, stop.
Go back and do that work before you get in
over your head.
But since we know our audiences,
we have an understanding of where they stand
and should have a feel for the way
in which they are the most comfortable communicating.
That dictates the communication.
So, my advice?
Make sure of your audiences,
but when in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Do not use jargon when simple language will do.
Don't use technical terms
without making sure people understand them.
The likelihood of a successful transformation
when your workers don't understand what's going on
is virtually nonexistent.
Make sure your efforts are not going to waste
by taking the time to communicate clearly and thoroughly.