Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Collaboration Between HR and Tech Teams
As HR’s future becomes more tech-driven, HR professionals must understand how to work effectively with their technical partners.
In my role, I often bridge the gap between HR and IT and encounter many miscommunications and frustrations. Based on my experience, here are some tips for HR professionals to maximize their relationships with tech teams:
Explain the Why: HR professionals often skip the business case and dive into specifics when explaining a project to tech teams. The problem is that the specific details may not be the best solution. Without understanding the overall purpose, you may get a less-than-optimal solution.
Start with the why. Explain the project's purpose and goals. This will allow the tech team to ask clarifying questions and build a solution that truly addresses the problem.
Give Specific Requirements: Be clear and detailed about your requirements. Do you need EEO questions in a specific format on job applications? Do you want summary tables in reports? You might not know all the requirements initially, but share as much detail as possible. As the subject matter expert, what seems obvious to you might not be clear to the tech team.
Treat the Project as a Collaboration: Successful tech projects involve collaboration, not just handing off a list of requirements. Work with the tech team as partners to understand and create the best solutions. This means:
Providing Timely Feedback: Respond promptly to questions and updates.
Testing Thoroughly: Ensure the solution works as expected by testing it comprehensively.
Actively Attending Meetings: Participate in meetings to stay informed and contribute to discussions.
Tips for Tech Teams
To make collaboration smoother, here are some quick tips for tech teams working with non-technical partners:
Ask for Clear Requirements: If the initial requirements are vague, ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand exactly what is needed before starting the project.
Understand Business Goals: Ask about the business goals behind the project. Understanding the broader context can help you provide better solutions and avoid unnecessary revisions.
Set Expectations Early: Communicate any technical constraints or limitations early in the project. Setting realistic expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
By following these tips, both HR professionals and tech teams can improve their collaboration and achieve better outcomes.
Have you encountered any challenges when working with tech teams? Share your experiences and tips in the comments!