Life as a computer technician can feel like life as a Meeseeks
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Hello new Mangolassi.IT friends!
I decided for my first post (that I am just re-sharing from my SW post) I would make it a discussion on my favorite topic, "computer techs" who are often referred to as "tech guy." I was a computer technician for a K-12 district for over 7 years and learned a ton while doing so. When you are in a situation when you are only present for issues people tend to only think of you as a break fix solution to all issues in their life. Life Mr Meeseeks - We live in a box and stop existing after we completed the task.
I would like to encourage more computer techs to discuss issues, have conversations, and overall engage with end user. Engagement is one of the many things I did well as a computer tech. I always loved starting up a conversation while fixing a computer or ipad. It allowed me to look forward to certain teachers as well!
One thing I noticed with one of our newer techs was that teachers didn't seem to be fond of him. Sure he came in fixed the issue, but no real communication. Teachers often had the problem another 2 or 3 more times before it was fully resolved. The tech was not communicating enough with the end user, and the end user kept making the same mistakes causing him to come out.
Once we realized the tech was not communicating enough, we addressed the issue and teachers seemed to like him more and where overall much happier when he left. I understand our end users are not always the most pleasant but creating a link and common interest helps our jobs in the long run and improves overall workflow in the company or school.
5 Great Conversation Starters!
What type of phone do you have?
What did you do this past weekend?
Did you see that viral ____ YouTube video? It was all over my social media today.
Working on anything exciting lately?
Do you have any trips coming up?It is important to note that you should just keep things light but professional, and if the end user does not want to talk don't push it.
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So small talk?
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Being sociable is a big part of being in IT. I'm slightly introverted, and I generally just despise people. (because most people prove they aren't worth liking, plus keeping an emotional distance is beneficial if that person is let go... )
So I'm kind enough to explain the issue, fix the issue, and let them know to ask if they have further issues. I also follow up with a "Happy to help".
But you can't change a person's personality easily, it takes a lot of effort to change at the core.
Good advice for any new techs, work on the small talk, or "bed side manner". It'll make doing the work more calm for all parties involved and hopefully pass more information to the user so the user can correct the issue them selves if its a PEBKAC problem.
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@DustinB3403 Exactly! I have had a time where I had to come back 3-4 times because I couldn't figure out an issue, I feel that both myself and the end user would have been more frustrated if nothing was said each visit. We were able to joke about it at one point after the 30th attempt or so.
Being social always makes the job more fun. I am debating on creating a write up on the benefits of an "Internal Community" within a company, sorta like a message board where people who more introverted to participate in discussions (if anyone would be interested in that.)
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Welcome to the MangoLassi community!
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Socializing with the people that you support carries a lot of value. Not only do you possibly figure out what is wrong, but you build a report and become more connected with the people in the company (outside of IT) which is important for "in person" IT staff because you become part of the knowledge base of how the company works, who does what, how things get done, how IT is used, how IT could be used, etc. Someone needs to do this stuff, and if you are the staff sitting with the end users, no one has that opportunity like you do.
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I have a client currently who works for a major fossil fuel consuming energy plant. He's become one of my favorite clients to get a call from. I've made it a point to put aside any indignant speak about climate science, instead chitchatting about my container garden or our mutual experiences growing up Appalachian. I consider the extra time spent being sociable as fostering a better business relationship. That being said we're both busy people and appreciate knowing when to end the conversation as well.
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That gif is brilliant.
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@RojoLoco said in Life as a computer technician can feel like life as a Meeseeks:
That gif is brilliant.
Someone (mod) fix the damned link so it shows..
