Bridging the Gap between Non-technical and Technical Teams

A significant barrier many teams face in their operations is the undeniable communication barrier between non-tech and tech teams. For instance, project managers and marketers may want projects done quickly in a typical marketing agency, while software engineers typically want to take their time on projects. 

Also, these teams speak different languages (both figuratively and literally) and often work in different ways. Therefore, bridging the gap between non-tech and tech teams is crucial to reducing friction and boosting performance and efficiency throughout your organization. Here are some key ways to bridge the gap between your technical and non-technical teams.

Plan Together

It is essential to begin every project by ensuring that both teams plan together extensively. Therefore, companies must create all-inclusive planning processes, ensuring that everyone understands the other teams’ roles and functions concerning their own. This way, teams can identify potential bottlenecks early on and streamline communication to prevent confusion and possible delays down the line.

Recognize All Contributions And Merits

Recognizing all contributions and positives from both teams is essential to bridging the gap between non-tech and tech teams. Many companies put too much emphasis on their software engineers’ capabilities and accomplishments at the expense of everyone else’s. Although your tech team might be accomplishing big things, it is essential not to let non-tech teams feel as though they are only playing a supporting role in the organization. 

Also, recognize non-tech team members who put in the effort to learn about the tech world. For instance, if your manager is learning website development or your marketers are learning Photoshop, you can commend them for the effort to encourage other non-tech members to do the same.

Be Inclusive About the Big Picture

To save time and billable hours some agencies exclude production from product vision meetings and only communicate requirements. Though understandable this leaves the development with only part of the story. To be wholly successful the entire team needs to know why they are building something and what problem they are trying to solve. This perspective not only dignified the team but contributes to a phenomenal amount of collaboration since everyone is on the same page trying to solve a problem and not just check off a requirements doc.

Encourage Collaboration

Companies should always look for ways to intertwine tech and non-tech teams, ensuring that their roles aren’t too far apart. For instance, you can have non-tech team members participate in application and website development instead of making it the sole responsibility of tech teams. If collaboration is made a mutual aspect of work, tech and non-tech teams can collaborate better, leading to stronger bonds and more efficient teams.

Solving the Gap Issue 

To address the communication challenges, you must be patient and constant. Coaching is also a powerful instrument for turning your team around. Keep up the good work; it will pay off in the end.