When Technical and Business Communication Breaks Down


Hey, Reader.

Main Insight: Technical Infrastructure Requires More Than Technology

Technical infrastructure can be critical to an organization, but having the right technology is only part of the equation.

The ISPE article, Communication as Technical Infrastructure in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, highlights an issue that applies well beyond the pharmaceutical industry: technical work depends on people being able to communicate across organizational boundaries.

When technical professionals and business leaders don't understand each other, even good technology can create friction.

A few key insights:

  • Technical teams need to explain complex issues in terms others can understand
  • Business leaders need enough technical context to make informed decisions
  • Communication gaps can create misunderstandings around priorities, requirements, and outcomes
  • Strong technical communication helps connect technology decisions to organizational goals

The fix isn't to eliminate technical complexity. It's to communicate that complexity in a way that helps people make better decisions.

Link to the piece is HERE.

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Podcast Episode: Orla Daly on Where IT and Business Break

​Orla Daly is a CIO and technology leader who has partnered with business leaders to lead strategic technology initiatives, improve processes, establish governance models, and deliver organizational value.

In our conversation, we discuss where communication between IT and the business breaks down, how to explain complex technology decisions to nontechnical stakeholders, and why communication should be a core competency for IT professionals.

Check out the episode HERE.

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Micro CTA

Where do you see communication breaking down between technical teams and the rest of your organization? Reply and tell me. I read every message.

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Until next time. Have a great week!

-Neil

Teach the Geek

I'm an engineer who's all about improving technical presentations. I post about my recent podcast episodes interviewing those with technical backgrounds about their public speaking journeys, my YouTube videos and blog posts offering tips on giving better technical presentations, and my podcast guest appearances. Want some public speaking tips? Please visit teachthegeek.com/tips.

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