It Works on My Machine - Why Engineers Are Misunderstood and What They Can Do About It

Explore the persistent myths and misperceptions surrounding engineers in this 15-minute conference talk from Devoxx by leadership coach Zaharenia Atzitzikaki. Discover how the classic "it works on my machine" mentality reflects broader communication challenges that engineers face in cross-functional collaboration. Learn where these stereotypes originate, understand how they impact relationships between engineering teams and other departments, and gain practical strategies for overcoming these barriers. Examine how engineers unintentionally reinforce negative perceptions and acquire actionable techniques to build trust, enhance influence, and improve collaboration across different organizational functions. Walk away with fresh insights into how engineering professionals are viewed by colleagues in other roles and concrete methods for bridging communication gaps that hinder effective teamwork.