Unlock collaboration: Embrace tech knowledge as a professional outside of IT/tech

Technology plays a pivotal role in almost every industry – and in every function of a company. Nothing new at all, since the technological advancements we’re experiencing right now is happening faster than ever before. 

Over the past years we have seen companies transforming their businesses going digital – and while traditional IT/tech departments drive technological expertise, it is crucial for professionals outside of the tech realm to understand the fundamentals of technology too. 

Why? Because by acquiring tech knowledge, professionals within HR, marketing, sales, and others can foster better collaboration, improve efficiency, and drive innovation both together but also within their respective domains. Since basically everything is digital these days, it is simply about literacy. And in the end, it’s about embracing and shaping the future. 

In this article, we’ll walk through some of the reasons why it is of importance for every professional to dive into the world of technology. 

Speaking the same language

Effective collaboration requires clear communication, and having a basic understanding of technology allows professionals outside of tech to speak the same language as their tech counterparts. 

Learning some relevant tech terminology and ensuring a general understanding of applied technology is simply bridging gaps between departments, enabling more efficient communication. When both tech and non-tech professionals understand each other’s perspectives and challenges, collaboration becomes more productive.

Another way to increase collaboration and dive in to the lingo is to explore the ways of working within your tech teams. Simple example: If your developers are using scrum, a popular agile framework – read up on it to understand their workflows.

Leveraging Tools and Platforms

Basically every department of a traditionally built company uses digital tools and platforms these days. Your HR system? Very likely to be digital. Any marketing system? Very likely to be digital too. Asking anyone if they get the most out of the digital tools they’re using – ‘yes’ will be a rare answer. 

Understanding the basics of the software, applications, and platforms specific to your role will simply increase what you get out of them, from knowing their possibilities and limitations. What it leads to? Getting more bang for the buck when buying software. 

And – understanding emerging trends will make you get a picture of what the future will look like for the tools and platforms you’re using or wanting to try. 

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data is at the heart of most business success, and professionals from all parts of a business need to be proficient in leveraging data insights for informed decision-making. 

By understanding basic data analytics concepts and tools, professionals can interpret and analyze data to identify trends, make data-driven decisions and contribute to business growth in their own fields. 

Stay Relevant – even one step ahead

Technological advancements are made by the minute these days – and for whole businesses understanding these rapid shifts and changes is and will be the key to intact relevance for the future. This means understanding how emerging technologies likely will impact your work – like what we’re currently seeing with Artificial Intelligence. 

Professionals outside of IT/tech with a general understanding of technological advancements and trends will likely be able to contribute with innovative ideas, identify opportunities and solve problems more creatively within their domains – giving you the opportunity to be one step ahead of the game. 

Rounding up, embracing tech is not solely the responsibility of tech professionals. It should and needs to be embraced by all departments, hence the importance of more tech-savvy business people and vice versa. Embracing interdisciplinary knowledge fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving, ensuring that technology initiatives are part of – and elevating broader business objectives.

Tech professionals exploring communication skills and who venture beyond their technical domains and embrace knowledge of other disciplines such as marketing, sales, administration or HR are the ones who will unlock the full potential of cross-functional collaboration.