In their reading and networking, non-tech leaders may latch on to a frequently discussed tech “buzzword” or concept and believe their organization needs to “add it” or “do something with it”—even when they don’t really know what “it” is. Whether they overestimate the current capabilities of an emerging technology or misinterpret the insider vocabulary of tech experts, non-tech leaders who insist on adding a new tech tool or process just because “everybody’s talking about it” not only frustrate their tech-focused colleagues, but can also add unneeded complications and costs to their processes.
The best first step for leaders who are intrigued by a new technology or process is to talk to the tech pros on their team to gain some clarification. It also helps to find educational resources that can explain tech concepts in simple, layperson-friendly terms. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some common tech buzzwords that are overused and frequently misunderstood by those who aren’t tech-savvy and what the reality behind these terms is.
For me: If you have ever read a privacy policy, they do very little to keep your data private. They are just a nice buzzword for everyone to give almost unlimited usage rights to whatever company designed them.