When potential clients asks me to describe what we can do and how we can help them, I often use the analogy of a boat navigating a vast ocean. Whether it’s a sleek yacht, a sturdy fishing vessel, or a grand cruise ship, the boat's success on the open sea relies on the integrity of its build and on the unseen engine crew working tirelessly below deck.
Similarly, today's modern organizations rely on the behind-the-scenes efforts of a skilled technology team who keep the essential systems running smoothly. Just as a boat can't sail without a well-maintained engine, an organization can't thrive without the right technological foundation and support.
One of my favorite TV shows, Bravo's reality series "Below Deck," offers a glimpse into the daily operations of a yacht that takes guests on exotic vacations. While the show often focuses on the crew members who interact with the guests, it rarely highlights the engine crew working behind the scenes to keep the vessel running smoothly. The guests might never meet these engineers, but without them, the yacht wouldn’t even leave the dock.
This analogy is a useful way to think about your own organization. As you consider engaging with us, here are three key questions to reflect on:
Would your business be a nimble speedboat zipping through the market, a reliable cargo ship carrying precious goods, or perhaps a luxury cruise liner providing top-tier services? Unless you're on a sailboat or rowboat (i.e. an entrepreneur who is just starting out), your boat relies on an engine to move forward— just like your organization relies on technology to function.
Are you the captain steering the ship, the crew member ensuring everything runs smoothly, or perhaps the navigator plotting the course? Understanding your role helps clarify your responsibilities and how you contribute to keeping the ship afloat.
But here's a critical point: If you're the captain, your primary role is to make strategic decisions and guide the crew toward the destination. Captains aren’t expected to be down in the engine room, wrench in hand, fixing mechanical issues. The same principle applies to your organization. While you might understand the basics of how your technology works, your expertise is in leading the business, not in engineering the systems that keep it running.
Similarly, consider the cruise director on a luxury liner. Their job is to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience, coordinating entertainment and services. Imagine if the cruise director decided to fix a problem with the engine instead of focusing on their primary responsibilities. The ship's operations would quickly fall apart, and the guests’ experience would suffer.
In the same way, many business leaders fall into the trap of thinking they can handle their technology needs themselves. But just as the captain or cruise director wouldn’t try to take over the engineer’s role, you shouldn’t try to be the engineer for your organization’s technology. These roles are unique and require specialized skills.
Are they local experts with a deep understanding of your vessel, or are they halfway across the world in Timbuktu, disconnected from the unique needs and challenges your boat faces?
Just as a boat requires skilled engineers familiar with its specific quirks and demands, your organization needs experts who are not only technically proficient but also intimately familiar with your business goals and challenges.
The analogy (although overworked) is clear —your technology team is the engine crew of your organizational boat. To navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape, you need local, experienced technologists who understand your business, share your vision, and can keep your engine running smoothly.
Don’t leave your boat in the hands of strangers in far-off lands. Invest in a trusted, local software engineering consultancy that acts as the engine crew for your organizational ship. They’ll ensure that you not only stay afloat but sail confidently toward your goals, no matter the challenges ahead.