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Like everything in life, these things fall on a distribution, and usually have more hidden variables than the visible ones. I've worked with people like the fo

Like everything in life, these things fall on a distribution, and usually have more hidden variables than the visible ones. I've worked with people like the following: A) Excellent systems and architecture/big picture knowledge, but hadn't done actual coding in ages, and likely wouldn't be much help if placed in a team to produce code. B) Terrific coder, but not too interested in the process. Ad-hoc type that would much rather spend time on iterations, than planning. "Get shit done" type. C) Very good people person, but with fading technical knowledge. D) Extremely enthusiastic person that came from the business side, but with limited technical knowledge. Would happily spend time on reading and learning about new technical stuff, but didn't necessarily have the foundational knowledge to lead a project alone. And many more. If asked "Is [x] technical?" I'd have answer "Yes, but..." or "No, but..."

dgb23 2y ago
Accountants, admins etc. are often very technical. Similar to developers who program every day. For one, they are proficient with what are essentially high level programming environments and platforms like Excel, Filemaker, some CRM and CMS software etc. They also automate tasks. They just typically don’t know how to turn a simple text file into a program, like we do, but they do program. Secondly and perhaps more importantly, they can do technical work for extended amounts of time. They know how to stare at a screen for hours, use the mouse and keyboard very effectively and quickly, spot mistakes and irregularities at a glance, and solve mistakes/issues in a structured manner. That mechanical aspect of being technical is often overlooked. But I think it’s important and fundamental. Someone who never developed these skills lacks the intuition and sensibilities that are required to make sensible technical decisions.

dgb23 2y ago

Accountants, admins etc. are often very technical. Similar to developers who program every day. For one, they are proficient with what are essentially high level programming environments and platforms like Excel, Filemaker, some CRM and CMS software etc. They also automate tasks. They just typically don’t know how to turn a simple text file into a program, like we do, but they do program. Secondly and perhaps more importantly, they can do technical work for extended amounts of time. They know how to stare at a screen for hours, use the mouse and keyboard very effectively and quickly, spot mistakes and irregularities at a glance, and solve mistakes/issues in a structured manner. That mechanical aspect of being technical is often overlooked. But I think it’s important and fundamental. Someone who never developed these skills lacks the intuition and sensibilities that are required to make sensible technical decisions.