Tech is Hard; People are Harder

Running a tech company is an exhilarating journey. The thrill of innovation, the satisfaction of solving complex problems, and the joy of seeing technology make a difference in people's lives are unparalleled. As someone who runs a tech company focused on helping people do more with technology, I find the tech side of the business the easiest. The real challenge lies in dealing with people.

Technology, with all its complexities, follows a certain logic. It can be understood, predicted, and controlled. People, on the other hand, are a different story. They are complicated, unpredictable, and often require a level of patience and understanding that no amount of technical knowledge can provide.

Yet, it is this very complexity that makes working with people incredibly rewarding. Helping someone overcome their fear of technology, seeing the spark of understanding in their eyes, and knowing that you have made their life a little easier is a reward in itself. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen and understand their needs and concerns.

In my experience, the key to successfully helping people with technology lies in building relationships. It's about understanding their unique challenges and finding ways to address them. It's about being patient and providing support, even when things don't go as planned. And most importantly, it's about celebrating their successes, no matter how small they may seem.

I remember one particular instance when I was working with a client who was extremely apprehensive about using a new software system. They were convinced that they would never be able to understand it. I spent hours patiently explaining the features, answering their questions, and providing hands-on support. Slowly but surely, they began to gain confidence. The moment they successfully completed a task on their own, the look of triumph on their face was priceless. It was a small victory, but it meant the world to them. And to me, it was a reminder of why I do what I do.

Another memorable experience was when I worked with a team that was struggling to adapt to a new project management tool. The team was diverse, with varying levels of technical expertise, and the transition was proving to be a challenge. I organized a series of workshops, breaking down the tool's features into manageable segments and providing real-life examples of how it could streamline their workflow. Over time, the team's productivity improved, and they began to see the value in the new system. The sense of accomplishment and the positive feedback from the team were incredibly fulfilling.

So yes, tech is hard, but people are harder. But it's the people who make the journey worthwhile. They bring meaning to the work we do and remind us why we started this journey in the first place. And at the end of the day, helping people do more with the technology they use is not just a job, it's a privilege. The challenges we face in dealing with people are what make our successes all the more rewarding. They push us to grow, to be more empathetic, and to find innovative ways to bridge the gap between technology and human experience.