You're faced with unfamiliar technology stack demands. How do you navigate stakeholder expectations?
Faced with tech hurdles in your career? Dive into the conversation about balancing innovation with stakeholder expectations.
You're faced with unfamiliar technology stack demands. How do you navigate stakeholder expectations?
Faced with tech hurdles in your career? Dive into the conversation about balancing innovation with stakeholder expectations.
-
When faced with unfamiliar technology demands, navigating stakeholder expectations is like maneuvering through complex traffic. Knowing how to drive isn't always necessary; what's key is having the big picture and a clear end goal in mind. Start by understanding what’s truly required and why, then explore how technology can help achieve that. A high-level understanding of the tech landscape is beneficial, but collaborating with technical experts is crucial. Ensuring minimal communication gaps with stakeholders helps steer expectations and align on successful outcomes.
-
Facing it step-by-step my initial approach would be 1. Acknowledge stakeholder requests and concerns. 2. Clarify requirements and expectations. 3. Request additional information if needed. *Assessment and Analysis* 1. Evaluate the requested technology stack against enterprise architecture standards. 2. Assess potential impact on existing infrastructure. 3. Identify potential risks, benefits, and trade-offs. *Communication Strategies* 1. Schedule stakeholder meetings to discuss findings and concerns. 2. Provide clear, concise explanations of technical implications. 3. Offer alternative solutions or compromises. *Collaboration and Negotiation* 1. Involve SMEs for specific technology insights. 2. Negotiate priorities and scope adjustments.
-
My life as a consultant was always jumping into unfamiliar technology areas. I always tried to focus on the business needs and how the technology supported those needs. I also counseled my clients that being first to adopt a new technology was not always a great place to be. Technology cannot be the driving factor. I have seen too many cases where that approach has led to delays, more cost, and outright failure. Telling clients what they don't want to hear can be uncomfortable, but in the end, if they are smart, they grow to respect the viewpoint you are giving them. Always operate from the principle of helping your clients to be successful. They may not want the help, but offer it anyway.
-
1. Except or acknowledge the request for the stakeholders 2. Do you own research of what does business need, analysis of the current environment. 3. Understand what the stakeholder is trying to achieve with the request.This will help you to have some sort-off have idea what what your out would likely look like.
-
In such circumstances, a structured and strategic approach is key, focusing on transparency, collaboration, and proactive learning. While the technology stack is important, understanding the business value and impact comes first. I’ll assess stakeholders' priorities and expectations, then implement tactical steps like building a knowledge-sharing network and leveraging expertise for unfamiliar technologies. A clear learning path will be created to upskill the team. A phased approach, including POCs/POVs, will ensure competency. Continuous collaboration, transparent communication and a risk management plan with stakeholders are equally crucial.
-
I'd address it from 3 perspectives. 2 1. Review the unfamiliar tech stack demand against the business requirements/ usecase, 2. Understand the new tech stack vis-vis the industry technology trends and future proofing e.g use of cloud computing, gen Ai, support team presence and lastly 3. Gain insight on stakeholders' mindshare about the tech stack and their openness to discuss alternatives. Subsequently the vendor may be involved for feasibility study/ demo/ proof of concept.
-
Approach this scenario with confident humility and curiosity. It's critical that you take time to understand your stakeholders' requirements, expectations, and concerns. With a foundation of shared understanding, you can begin to learn and explore in such a way that ensures you're meeting their requirements and addressing their concerns, which in turn will meet or exceed their expectations. Leverage subject matter experts, provide proactive updates, and solicit feedback early and often.
-
As an Enterprise Architect, I'd approach this systematically. First, we gotta assess the risks & prioritize 'em based on impact. Then, it's all about rapid response - patching critical vulns ASAP. But don't stop there! Regular security audits are key to stayin' ahead of new threats. It's like playing whack-a-mole with hackers, but way more high-stakes. Question 2: How do you conduct a thorough risk assessment for security vulnerabilitie
-
I would begin by fully understanding their goals, then set realistic expectations about my learning process while ensuring I remain transparent. Leveraging my experience, I’d focus on transferable skills and break the learning into phases, delivering incremental results. Regular updates and collaboration with colleagues would ensure stakeholders remain confident and the project stays on course without sacrificing quality.
-
-Educate Yourself: Learn about the new technology stack. -Open Communication: Communicate openly with stakeholders. -Seek Expertise: Collaborate with experts or consultants. -Set Realistic Expectations: Clearly communicate potential challenges and timelines. -Prioritize Learning: Allocate resources for team members to learn the new technology stack. -Iterative Approach: Adopt an iterative approach to development. -Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment. -Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changes and challenges.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Electrical EngineeringYour team is divided on new technology adoption. How do you navigate conflicting opinions?
-
Technological InnovationHow would you navigate resistance from senior stakeholders towards adopting innovative tech solutions?
-
Business DevelopmentWhat are the best ways to innovate for a more diverse and inclusive business ecosystem?
-
Research ManagementHere's how you can effectively convey the advantages of new technology to stakeholders as a research manager.