Explaining complex technical problems to non-technical stakeholders is a vital skill. Here’s an example of how I managed such a situation:

In one of our projects, we needed approval from our Functional Owners (FOs) and product managers, who lacked a technical background, to release a new version of our application. We encountered a significant issue that required a clear explanation.

First, I simplified the explanation by breaking down the technical problem into more accessible terms. Instead of using jargon, I employed analogies and layman's language. For instance, when discussing a memory leak, I compared it to a leaking water tank that needed repair to prevent water wastage.

Next, I utilized visual aids, such as diagrams and before-and-after screenshots, to illustrate both the problem and the solution. Demonstrating the issue in action and how we resolved it made the explanation more relatable.

I also reproduced the issue and gathered evidence, including logs and screenshots, to showcase the problem. After implementing the fix, I collected similar evidence to confirm that the issue had been resolved.

During the meeting, I presented the evidence and detailed the steps we took to address the issue. I made sure to pause frequently to check for understanding and to answer any questions they had.

After the meeting, I sent out the minutes, summarizing the discussion points, the issue, the solution, and any decisions made. This ensured that everyone was aligned and had a record of what was discussed.

Finally, I remained available for any follow-up questions or clarifications, ensuring they fully understood the implications of the issue and the resolution.

By employing these strategies, I effectively communicated the technical problem and its resolution to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring they grasped the issue and its implications. This approach facilitated smoother decision-making and helped maintain their confidence in our team's work.