Just as in the world of video gaming, the technology industry is filled with so-called player and non-player characters.
In the most recent video game movie, “Free Guy,” sunglasses are used to identify and distinguish a player from a non-player character and provide the lenses through which the players are meant to experience the game.
Similar to the aforementioned movie, this blog will aim to provide the reader with the lenses to approach the technology industry from a whole new perspective.
Below are my ideas on how to “level up” to face the challenges.
1 – Love what you do and do what you love
Perhaps like the main character, you were once happy to go through the motions, but secretly yearned for something more and fell in love with all the excitement that the technology industry has to offer.
I believe that we must always keep our eyes open for the right opportunity and approach that opportunity with head-over-heels enthusiasm.
By loving what we do and doing what we love, our approach to technology and its role players will place us on a new level.
Being enthusiastic about what your technology has to offer, will allow you to see opportunities that were once disguised as obstacles and bring about an innovative approach to managing the challenges that are ahead.
This in turn will in turn foster a more balanced outlook that focuses not only on bringing products to the market but also on harnessing technology to best serve customers.
Therefore, by combining a passion for what you do with the right lenses, opportunities will be yours for the taking.
2 – Understand the dynamics of the industry you are in
It is so important to recognize the value of your product and to have a long-term vision for how it can potentially establish its own niche in the marketplace:
Do your due diligence and do not be pressured to settle for less value than what your product is potentially worth in the long run.
Remember that it is in your own best interest to not only be proficient in binary language but also in the so-called “legal language” of the industry and keep sight of the fact that the latter is a code that requires careful deciphering and application!
As an example: Make sure that the distinction between the use and ownership of object code and source code and licensing is not open for interpretation.
3 – Go-live & warranties
The technology as well as the legal industry is rife with acronyms and industry-specific phrases.
In terms of the legal as well as technology landscape, it is important to never assume that everyone is as familiar with the industry jargon and its warranties.
Bearing this in mind, there can be a better alignment on not only what the parties’ respective roles and responsibilities are with regards to development but also on the further rights post-project. Needs often change post-signature and expectations need to be managed.
Be clear on what the expectations for the products are: Life is not without its bugs, and neither is software.
Therefore, by de-mystifying industry and legal jargon and aligning interests and expectations, you will not only level the playing field but also significantly improve client relations.
4 – Convergence of life and technology
It is important to “unplug” every now and then: Do not let the technology forum be the only playing field in which you excel.
There is something to be said for achieving work-life balance and it is not as elusive as you might think.
In the words of William Shakespeare: “All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players…”
Life is short and it is up to us to make the choice whether we are going to “play” or simply be a non-player character-whether it be on the technology front or in our personal lives.
In conclusion: Do not settle for being a non-player character in the world of technology: put on your sunglasses and become a (role) player.
