Survivor is a popular reality TV show that has fascinated viewers around the world with its intense challenges and strategic gameplay. While the show may seem worlds apart from the realm of technology professionals, there are, in my not-so-humble opinion, some surprising similarities between the two. Both Survivor contestants and tech workers face unique challenges that test their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
In Survivor, contestants are dropped into unfamiliar environments with many unknowns and limited resources where they must navigate their way to become the sole survivor. Similarly, technology professionals often find ourselves in uncharted territories, working on complex projects with constantly evolving technologies and, often, many unknown political, technical or other variables. Just like Survivor contestants, we must adapt quickly, learn new tools and methodologies, and make informed decisions amidst uncertainty and do this with some very high-stakes results sometimes.
Survivor is not just about individual survival; it’s about collaboration, building alliances and working as a team to outwit opponents. Likewise, technology professionals thrive in collaborative environments where teamwork and communication are crucial. We must form alliances with colleagues, exchange knowledge, and leverage each other’s strengths to overcome challenges and accomplish shared goals.
Survivor contestants are constantly faced with physical, mental, and strategic challenges, forcing them to think on their feet and make split-second decisions. Similarly, technology professionals often work under high-pressure situations, troubleshooting complex issues (often with little information from end-users or leadership), and finding solutions within tight deadlines. Both environments/roles require quick thinking, adaptability, and the ability to keep a cool head in stressful circumstances (and/or going home to cry over a glass of wine, lol!).
Survivor is known for throwing unexpected twists and turns at contestants, forcing them to adapt or risk elimination. Likewise, technology professionals operate in an industry that evolves rapidly. They must stay updated with the latest trends, learn new programming languages, and adapt to emerging technologies to remain competitive. The ability to embrace change and continuously learn is a shared trait between Survivor contestants and tech professionals.
Finally, Survivor is not just about surviving one challenge; it’s about strategically positioning oneself for long-term success and planning for the long-haul. Similarly, technology professionals need to approach our careers with a strategic mindset, setting goals and working towards them with a long-term vision. We must identify opportunities, plan our professional development, and make calculated decisions to advance their careers in the ever-evolving tech industry.
While Survivor and the world of technology may seem like two vastly different domains, the underlying qualities required for success in both are surprisingly similar. Navigating the unknown, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking are fundamental attributes that both Survivor contestants and technology professionals must possess. So, the next time you tune into Survivor or head into your tech job, remember the shared traits and challenges you have in common with the brave souls battling it out on a deserted island. Try not to start a fire at your workplace unless you do it on purpose as part of a challenge to win the game (that’s a joke, relax people).
Perhaps one day you’ll be the sole survivor, technically speaking, it’s possible!
It's Technically Possible 