IT Professional Communication
I thought this was a subject that we would all have to face at some point or another. In fact my experiences yesterday reminded me that I really needed to start my blog so I could discuss this. We are or are becoming IT professionals. My transformation has already begun even if I haven't got my degree yet. I work in a job where I am expected to interact with other people on a daily basis and I am often expected to perform tasks on their computers.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been journeying to other departments in my building in order to document the various computers (assets) that the university own on to the myucs webpage. It is very simple. All I need to do is log on to myucs, take down the information of the computer (serial number, BSU number, processor speed etc.) and enter the information. The only other tasks I have is to download Windows Defender, make sure the firewall is on and make absolutely certain that the computer is receiving updates at 3:00 every day.
As you can see, I am not really doing anything. The only real change that should happen is that Windows Defender gets downloaded and that is a minor safety feature. The computer users should be informed enough to know to leave their firewalls on and to let their computers receive updates right? Don’t make that assumption. Even when it comes to basic things like firewalls and updates people can be scared and confused. It is our duty as IT professionals to treat each person with dignity and care even when we think they are being unreasonable.
I have been in two other departments now. The first department completely spoiled me. It seemed that most of the time I didn’t even have to enter all their computer information because they were already on myucs. Everyone in that department was willing to give me total control over their computer, they didn’t ask questions and the majority of them were there. They had received the message that I would be coming around and were more than happy to give me the space I need.
The next department would prove to be more difficult. When I walked into one office I was immediately accused of having wrecked one occupants computer and the other was afraid to let me touch hers. I told them calmly that there was nothing that I was doing that would harm their computers. However, that did not stop the tiraid. I just had to deal with it and my boss looked at their computers later and informed them that there was nothing that I did and all of their problems were their own fault for not keeping up careful maintenance. However, this whole experience made me nervous to even walk around in that department to help others.
I guess what I am trying to say is that despite everything, you have to keep a professional appearance and handle people politely. I'm certain that if you keep your head cool, you can get along with anyone, even those who seem intolerable. Sure, I was upset, but I didn't let them stop me from doing my job.