Ask Slashdot: How To Teach IT To Senior Management? 159
New submitter gagol writes "I recently took a position at a small industrial equipment manufacturer. We are looking to buy a new ERM software package and my boss, who is looking forward to buy the thing, knows nothing about computers or software. I will be providing basic IT training to the senior management and I am looking for your input on the scope and content of said training. I am thinking: basic components and architecture -> networking -> software -> proprietary vs open source. What do you think?"
You Don't. (Score:2, Interesting)
I recently took a position ... I will be providing basic IT training to the senior management
You might think that's what you're doing, and you might even make a spectacular job of it, but there's a reason why they're where they are and still don't know anything -- That's what they do. If they knew anything they wouldn't have those jobs. Good luck.
Whatever you do. DO NOT TEST THEM to ensure they know what they've been nodding their heads and agreeing with.... That's why it's you, the new guy, who's tasked with this job. The folks they'd actually listen to are wiser than to risk their job by showing just how dumb the management is. When they come and ask you questions about things that YOU JUST "taught them" about yesterday, just grin and politely show them how. Enjoy your life at the bottom of the totem poll. If you survive the ordeal, maybe you can convince HR to find you an underling you can feed to the wolves one day too.