Stereotypes, Part 3 of 3 (Bridging the Gap)

I get the impression that most non-IT people or non-developers (developers/programmers are a subset of the IT industry, for those of you not familiar. Here's another stereotype: if you're an IT person, you know it all - networking, security, development) think of IT people as being from a foreign country (metaphorically - I know literally that is sometimes the case), or even a foreign planet. I've worked on projects where the customer has repeatedly reminded me "I know we speak different languages, but...". I do realize, of course, this customer was trying to bridge the gap. Which is great, and what is needed to integrate IT in general into business operations.

But the truth is we do speak the same language. Not all IT people lack communication skills, don't change their clothing, or fail to wear deoderant (but good Lord - I've worked with enough people who don't do these things. For the love of God, WEAR DEODERANT AND CHANGE YOUR CLOTHING!!). It's up to us, the IT people to take the initiative in bridging that gap. How to bridge this gap?

Mostly social skills and communication. By nature, programmers and developers often work in solitary environments. In fact, preference for a solitary environment is often how one ends up being a software developer. Let's face it, math whizzes in elementary school don't often end up as the most popular kid in class (except when it comes time to take the test or hand in the homework). It makes sense that if one spends more time in a solitary environment, social and communication skills will lack.

So this is why those deficient in these skills, in order to bridge the gap and help to integrate IT further into the business landscape, must take initiative to improve these things. When we are able to communicate (that's talking and listening) clearly and stay on the same page as our non-IT co-workers/supervisors - we begin relating to them. When we relate to them, they get to know us - and they stop thinking we're aliens who speak strange languages and with strange customs. At some point, after we take these steps, IT ceases to be an island or peninsula of strange people who may or may not be difficult to work with.

Two other items that will help bridge the gap: leave your ego at the door and shower approximately once a day - if hygiene or attitude is an issue, then address these as your first steps. You won't have to worry much about communication if you smell bad or think too highly of yourself. Perhaps this last paragraph is the most important one of the whole post.