We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tracey Patterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tracey, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?
As someone working in Information Technology for over 30 years, I have always strived to master the skill of “speaking computer in plain English.” To be effective, I need to comprehend the issue at hand and ensure that the user understands the subsequent action, whether I’m teaching computer classes, setting up business networks, or creating application interfaces.
When I ventured into creating virtual reality simulations, I found myself in a completely unfamiliar territory: pipeline maintenance in an oil refinery. Research could only take me so far; like many things in life, I needed to engage with experienced individuals to truly understand the intricacies of the domain.
Thus, I honed my “art of asking questions.” There are a lot of things out there about asking great questions. I also had to work on my own biases and discomfort that prevented me from getting as much information as I needed the first time.
Ask “stupid” questions. I had to stop assuming (or pretending) to know the details. What makes me feel better, saying “explain it to me like I’m a five-year-old.”
If I am feeling like I am bothering them, I make sure to let them know how important their insights are to the project as specifically as possible. People often enjoy sharing their expertise, especially when they know how it will be used.
I had to really put it in my head that I am NOT the expert here. When I internalize this, I focus on receiving information without interrupting, judgment or interjecting my thoughts.
However, when they finish speaking, I echo a lot. I repeat or reconstruct what they’ve said to make sure I understand. Plus it gives me more time to a) to write notes, and b) process more follow-up questions.
And thank them for their time and willingness to share. It’s such a little thing that really goes a long way, even if you can’t tell at first.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Tranndee Tech creates custom virtual reality safety training for industrial construction companies. When companies have specific issues that require enhanced safety training, we can design simulations to help them.
The immersive technology used in VR allows workers to experience training scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of real-world injuries. This type of training can be highly effective, as it allows workers to learn from their mistakes without experiencing the consequences in real life. And, VR training can help to increase everyone’s accountability to safety.
I am passionate about workplace safety–it is not supplemental, it’s essential!
I am excited about VR–training should be engaging, can be a little fun, and needs to be effective!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The things most important to my growth have been
Constant Learning – Always be working on at least 1 new skills, actively or in the background, in at least these three areas: technical (but not necessarily professional), people, and financial. Sometimes I work on my programming skills, sometimes my guitar picking.
Don’t Give Up When It Gets Rough – Take the night or weekend off, treat yourself, but pick a time to dive back in and do it without thinking.
Create routines for your life as much as possible, It feels like it takes time, but it gives your brain more time and freedom. Plan your meals or your wardrobe for the week. Schedule time to deal with email and don’t deviate. Stick to a regular bedtime.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
A particular challenge I am having is saying no. I am associated with a few community initiatives, am a part of a large family, as well as developing my business. As much as I want to be helpful or be a part, saying yes too many times pulls me away from something else. First, I have been more deliberate to state what my priorities are (including self-care). Second, I am working on being neutral about the things–the people–I have to say no to.
Contact Info:
- Website: tranndee.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceypatterson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqiuti8M6zogKLge_YDYWLQ
Image Credits
Tracey Patterson
