How to teach tech to execs

Many CEOs are confused about technology--more confused than CIOs are about business. CIOs must educate their business counterparts about technology, but that's not easy, partly because CEOs tend to resist the idea. Here's how to teach the business side about technology: First, don't use jargon. Techno-talk creates another language and a set of barriers between you and your business partners. Second, use the budget planning period to help drill in what the business side needs to know about technology. Third, start education at the top of the organization. Once senior executives get it, others will follow. Fourth, plan offsites to set up temporary laboratories with equipment and software to show businesspeople how things actually work. Finally, use a subtle approach. For example, point out that a specific unit has lower customer satisfaction levels or higher people costs and suggest a technology that might help. If that fails, a similar conversation with the CEO might help.

Learn more about teaching tech to executives:
- read the article at CIO

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