Stop Asking for Buttons: Modern IT Collaboration Done Right

Introduction

David Heinemeier Hansson (DHH) said in his Podcast REWORK: “As software developers and designers, you have to work on people’s behalf. You cannot work on their request.”

This principle is at the heart of successful IT collaboration. When IT teams are seen as strategic partners rather than mere task executors, projects not only achieve greater success but also deliver smarter, more impactful solutions. Let’s explore how embracing this mindset will drive better outcomes.

The X-Y Problem

A very common pitfall in IT collaboration is the X-Y Problem. This happens when stakeholders focus on their proposed solution (Y) instead of explaining the actual problem they’re trying to solve (X). It’s a subtle mistake, but it can waste a huge amount of time and energy.

Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. A stakeholder wants to accomplish X.
2. They think Y is the way to achieve X, but they don’t know how to do Y.
3. The stakeholder asks the IT team for help with Y.
4. The IT team spends time addressing Y, only to discover that addressing X directly could have led to a more effective and impactful solution.

For example, imagine someone asks for a “print button” in a reporting tool. The IT team builds it as requested, but later realizes the real issue was that users needed an easier way to save and share reports—not print them.

This scenario illustrates why it’s critical to focus on the root problem rather than the requested solution. By asking “Why do you need this?” and digging deeper, IT teams can uncover the real challenges and propose smarter, more effective solutions. For a more detailed explanation, visit The X-Y Problem.

Define the Core Problem, Not the Solution

When faced with a challenge, it’s tempting to jump straight to solutions. But prescribing fixes too early can stifle innovation and limit outcomes. Instead, clearly define the problem you’re trying to solve and let your IT team design the solution.

For instance, instead of saying, “We need a dashboard with these specific charts,” reframe the challenge as: “We need a way to understand customer behavior trends to improve marketing strategies.” This gives your IT team the freedom to apply their expertise and creativity, often resulting in solutions you might not have considered.

Equip IT Teams with Domain Context

Your IT team isn’t just a group of coders—they’re problem solvers. To do their best work, they need to understand the full picture: the processes, pain points, and goals driving your business.

For example, if you’re optimizing a supply chain, sharing insights about inventory turnover, vendor relationships, and demand cycles allows your IT team to design solutions that align perfectly with your needs. Providing this context transforms IT from task-takers into strategic partners who deliver meaningful results.

Trust Their Expertise and Brainpower

This philosophy emphasizes trusting IT teams to make decisions that serve the broader goals of the organization. Micromanagement undermines this trust and stifles creativity. Instead, give your IT team the freedom to evaluate trade-offs, recommend architectures, and balance business and technical needs. This trust fosters innovation and ensures IT solutions are scalable, maintainable, and deeply aligned with your goals.

Foster Ownership and Drive

People work harder—and smarter—when they feel ownership over the outcome. By involving IT early in the process and treating them as collaborators, you create a sense of shared responsibility. Suddenly, your problem becomes their problem, and solving it becomes a mission.

This sense of ownership fuels creativity, commitment, and innovation. IT teams that are engaged and invested deliver solutions that exceed expectations.

Practical Tips for Involvement

• Host workshops to align on goals and challenges.
• Include IT representatives in key decision-making meetings.
• Celebrate successes together to build trust and camaraderie.

The Formula for Success

To achieve seamless collaboration, follow this formula:

• Clarity: Clearly define the challenge and its impact.
• Context: Share relevant domain insights with IT teams.
• Trust: Empower IT professionals to make decisions.
• Engagement: Include IT teams as co-creators.
• Alignment: Ensure every solution addresses the core problem.

Conclusion

The best outcomes come from true partnerships between business and IT. When IT teams are trusted, empowered, and given context, they deliver solutions that go beyond expectations. By focusing on problems, not just requests, and fostering collaboration, you unlock the full potential of your IT department—and your business.

Why Work with Us?

With years of experience bridging the gap between business and IT, we specialize in fostering collaborations that succeed. Our proven methods ensure your projects are built on trust, alignment, and innovation—delivering results that exceed expectations.

Explore More

If this resonates with you, explore how our approach can transform your IT projects. Read more on our Blog or Contact Us to discuss your next big idea.