How to Talk to a Geek

Establishing Geek Rapport--Find a Way

There are many stereotypes about geeks--some more true than others.  However, like everyone else, geeks like to know that someone is listening to them and trying to understand their needs.  They just show it a little bit differently.  Establishing rapport may take some doing, but it is possible. 

A friend of mine mentioned that he once had to work with a group of Japanese technology experts who were in the U.S for a project.  In addition to the geekspeak issues there were also language and cultural disconnects. He found it hard to work with this group until he discovered they were baseball fanatics.  That turned out the be the key to their working relationship.  He could discuss baseball facts and stats with them and establish common ground.  He could also provide local color about the San Diego Padres, and occasionally he provided tickets for games.

Once he discovered an interest that they could all share outside of the technology project, he was able to establish rapport on other issues and the project began to move forward.  He has found this trick to work with other groups, so he routinely looks for an outside interest that he can share with other technology gurus to facilitate communications.

One reason this works is it puts everyone on a more equal basis.  My friend knew more about local baseball than the tech guys so he could be the expert in that field.  Once the techies could respect his knowledge about baseball, they were more willing to share their technical knowledge with him.

Try it the next time you are having trouble communicating with your tech team, it might just open a few channels you hadn't thought about.

Jan Loomis is a business coach dedicated to helping her clients ask the right questions for business success. She writes booklets to assist her clients with business issues.  Download a copy of How to Talk to Geek--84 tips that will help you communicate better with the technology gurus in your business. 

 

 

Survival Skills for "Suits" Communicating with "Technology Gurus"

As technology becomes more and more integral to your business, it bcomes increasingly obvious that talking to geeks is a necessary skill.  You need to buy new software/hardware; the computer system is not working; you're developing a Web site; or creating and database; and you need to have a conversation with a techie. 

As you will quickly find out you do not speak the same language as the geeks.  Familiar words have different meanings; you get lost in an alphabet soup of abbreviations; and the jargon is impenetrable. 

The situation is akin to being suddenly transported to another country minus the guide book and translator.  You can't understand them, and they can't understand you.  Needless to say, not much valid communication can take place under these conditions.  Meetings can rapidly descend into chaos and your technology issues remain unsolved. The project falters, frustrations on both sides rise, and costs go out of control.

Most of us have been there and done that...so what to do.  Find someone who is good at translating geekspeak and learn how to communicate better.  You need to learn how to talk to a geek and you need to train your staff as well. Fortunately with a few tips and some guidance it's a skill you can master and pass on. 

This blog is dedicated to finding the tools needed to decipher geekspeak and improve communications.  I have extensive experience working with techies to create software products, Web sites and business applications.  I have learned, often painfully, how to communicate successfully with my fellow executives and the technology crew , and I plan to share that knowledge in this blog.  I want you to share as well.  Post your comments and ideas for working on technology projects smoothly.

Jan Loomis is a business coach dedicated to helping her clients ask the right questions for business success. She writes booklets to assist her clients with business issues.  Download a copy of How to Talk to Geek--84 tips that will help you communicate better with the technology gurus in your business.