Intentional Tech
THREE RULES OF WORK
Out of clutter find simplicity , From discord find harmony , In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity .
– ALBERT EINSTEIN
Education should extend beyond training , though . Employees need to learn how to make conscious technology choices . It ’ s easy to let technology take the place of verbal communication with colleagues , for example , which can diminish teamwork and increase misunderstanding . Knowing when to pick up the phone or speak face-to-face instead of sending an email can build camaraderie and enhance productivity .
It ’ s also important to know when to disconnect entirely . Thanks to remote connectivity and mobile devices , the definition of the workplace has expanded immensely . Employees are now capable of working from anywhere and may often feel pressure to do so . For this reason , leaders should help employees understand what is expected of them , and also help them maintain a balance so they don ’ t get overwhelmed or burned out .
Technology and the workplace have become inseparable , and the wave of applications and programs designed to speed up work and increase profitably shows no signs of subsiding . The human element of the workplace , however , is still its most important one . To be more effective , leaders must spend more time ensuring that whatever technology they choose to implement supplements employees ’ knowledge and innovative spirits instead of replacing it .
TRANSPARENT
Intentional Tech
In the modern world of work and play , technology bombards our interactions and environments . With constant stimulation from the gadgets in our pockets to the navigation in our cars , maintaining a critical eye is crucial to avoid frivolous usage and disengagement from human-tohuman interactions . If curated appropriately , the use of technology can minimize our time and attention to tools and foster human connectivity in a purposeful manner . Transparent technology — seamlessly integrated solutions that fuel smartphones , apps , or search algorithms — are inextricably embedded behind the scenes of our daily routines . These tools simplify processes and assist in the management of complexity at work and at home . We encounter devices and applications that rely on transparent tech to function — from the thermostats in our homes to credit cards in our wallets , and stoplights outside our offices . At work , transparent technology is the search or data management platform that scours millions of files and performs tedious number crunching processes . Beyond work , transparent technology is the vast network of algorithms identifying new activities to enjoy or interests to share . Both Google and LinkedIn regularly update their algorithms , allowing us to reap the benefits of personalized ads , news feed enhancements , and relevant network updates . How can we take a more critical approach to the technology we use to maximize its usefulness and create space for valuable human-to-human connections ? Professionally , transparent technology translates to less time spent staring at a computer screen or mobile device and more time connecting with the people around us . A device that can process data or automate research allows employees the freedom to collaborate and expand their sphere of influence — perhaps uncovering new avenues for development or innovation . Socially , transparent technology bridges the gap between people , thus strengthening relationships and encouraging interpersonal growth . The root value of transparent technology lies in its ability to facilitate and enhance , not replace , human connectivity . Selectivity toward the solutions we utilize is an imperative to ensure the tools we use serve as the means to a meaningful end .
18 | SNB . COM // CONNECT TECHNOLOGY SUMMER 2015