Dealing with IT problems, what you can do to continue functioning

If you have ever worked with a computer you have probably experienced the frustration of having something go wrong. If you do not have a working understanding of the ins and outs of your computer, and you find yourself in an IT crisis, you are at the mercy of computer nerds and technical support teams.

The list of complaints associated with IT departments is long. Whether they are never available, or have to keep fixing the same problem over and over, or you get charged every time you call them up, there has got to be a better way of dealing with IT problems.

The best way to solve a problem is to prevent that problem from occurring in the first place. The same concept applies to all things technological. There are a number of things that you can do to both prevent IT problems, solve your own IT problems, and know enough about your system to continue functioning normally until you can get a professional to look at the problem that you are having. Coaching from IT teams as well as regular training on commonly used programs and applications eliminates the need to contact IT for inconsequential reasons. If the IT department does not have to do things like teach people how to open e-mails or to use their day planning program, they can focus their efforts on more efficiently handling bigger problems. Back-up plans may sound silly, but if you are constantly experiencing IT problems it is not a bad idea to train your employees on the things that can be done while the computers are down.

When the inevitable happens and you find yourself needing to contact IT because of problems, there are a few things that you can do to make this difficult situation pass as quickly as possible. In addition to having a plan for the things that you can do to try to run diagnostic test on your own, make sure that you gather as much information about the problem that you are experiencing as possible. Contact your computer support team and remember to be specific, brief, and friendly.

Being specific with your problem will lead to a faster solution. Make sure that you have written down exactly what kinds of error messages that you are getting and that you have documented the steps that you have taken to try to solve the problem yourself. The IT department does not need excuses or theories. Be to the point. Tell them the messages that you are receiving and when those messages appear. Do not waste your time and theirs by playing guessing games to solve problems that you may not be qualified to handle. Lastly, be friendly. IT problems are a pain for everyone. Getting yourself worked up and angry only makes the situation worse. After all, how can you continue functioning if you are steaming over being put on hold or having to be inconvenienced by an IT problem as if it were an attack on you personally.

If IT problems continue to the point that you cannot continue functioning normally because of the disruptions it may be time to take action and change service providers or hire a new IT manager. IT problems should not be an ever present threat. Dealing with IT problems once in a while is to be expected. And continuing to function is also a skill that can be developed. Sometimes functioning productively without the use of computers, phones or other devices is difficult, but it should certainly be possible. After all, there is (or at least should be) a significant human element to every business. Take advantage of the opportunity that an IT breakdown gives you to brush up on your interpersonal skills.

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