This is a huge issue at a time when people are feeling an at times crushing sense of isolation and communal detachment. The often remarked on social aspects of our events has merely moved to another plane – the virtual one where if you have access to the internet, you can engage with like-minded souls and socialise.
Relationships Form the Core of the Work Experience
An aspect many of us have had to grapple with these last few months is the sense of social disconnect that assails us now we’re no longer turning up to the office. Or, if we do, we’re operating under a regime that heightens a sense of social disconnect via social distancing requirements. Many people have found this to be quite frightening and a serious issue for their on-going mental well-being.
Associations like itSMFA have provided an antidote to this looming sense of social deprivation. They work to connect and enhance that relationship core so often lacking in the physical work situation. What used to be regarded as a valuable aspect of being a member of itSMFA is now seen by many as an invaluable one – a bridge to a social network either lacking of deficient in their work environments.
Enhanced people management leads to enhanced management
The realm of the professional organisation is one characterised by a notable lack of hierarchy. The members enjoy a status of actual equality, no subordinate / superior relationships exist between them. This is the case even if the member’s work situations are vastly different – one might be the CIO of a large publicly listed enterprise, the person they are engaging with a sole-trader of a boutique service management firm.
It doesn’t matter!
As members their input is viewed as equally important and their talents are not hidden beneath, or behind, a name plaque on a desk. This is important, it gives the less powerfully placed an opportunity to demonstrate their talents, to
operate free of the usual constraints of title,
hierarchy, or patronage. Under the banner of an organisation such as itSMFA everyone is entitled – to speak, to contribute and to place their views.
These are the skills many people say are the very thing lacking in ‘teams’ that enjoy the title, but not the collegiate reality found within their professional organisation.
There is something else, allied to this, but well worth remarking on in itself – ‘Networking isn’t simply talking: it’s about helping too. The ‘events’ staged by itSMFA are quite rightly regarded as industry leading opportunities in regard to networking. Few other organisations, certainly within the IT field can boast of the long history of social engagement of the quality that this association is based around.
Leaving aside for a moment the learning that triggered the event in the first place, what often emerges from these notably social gatherings is a very real willingness to assist, to mentor and to guide. Networking isn’t simply about, or an excuse to, share a drink – it’s real value is to provide a forum where someone can assist another person in a manner that is rich in context, but low in threat. Advice is freely given, there are no strings attached, no lingering sense of obligation and no hint of commercial gain – that may follow, but it isn’t contingent.
Informal Learning – timely, contextual and effective.
There’s a saying with itSMFA, “everyone loves a war story”.
And we do!