Social Workers are NOT Allowed to Talk to Programmers

Ever watch a Social Worker talk to a Computer Programmer? Like watching cars collide, there is a fascination about it. Unlike an auto wreck, IT Managers can stand between the two, like Superman, keeping both sides apart so the universe doesn't collapse. And so we become intermediary.

This social worker is assertive but compassionate. She explains how something should occur but not step by step. She feels that the programmer is capable of accomplishing his mission if given enough support and a little guidance to help him along. She thinks even the most structured mind requires a little freedom for creativity. Getting the programmer to get the project from A to Z requires a little trust on her part.

This programmer breaks down the situation into its components, realizing the lack of specifics means the social worker is not interested in how goals are achieved. He takes the bits of information she's throwing at him and decides how and what to implement. He doesn't feel there is need to ask many more questions. The social worker should be happy with what he provides her because he's done this a thousand times, and he's good.

Disregarding the big question (who thought this was a good idea??!!), there is really only one lesson to be learned. IT Managers don't let social workers talk to programmers alone. I think that's a commandment, Veda, proverb, and amendment, but most of all, that's final.