April 21, 2010
Technology is Your Friend, Make Your Work Life Easier
BY John Paul Narowski IN Productivity 0 Comment
Are you an early adaptor or do you fight innovation tooth and nail? Many times we’re forced to use new technology to meet the requirements of our job otherwise we’d have nothing to do with it. Like so many fixtures in our lives, would you have Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter, if your coworkers and friends didn’t have an account?
With the evolution of the personal computer, cell phone, Internet, instant messaging and a seemingly endless list of other technologies we have had to adapt as business people. There is a part of each of us that likes the way things are but also another that craves growth and change. We have to learn to balance that in life and the workplace to make us the most productive we can be.
The More you Know…
With jobs disappearing by the millions over the last couple of years the more you know the better off you are in the workforce. Being knowledgeable or at least willing to work with new technologies will greatly help you land or keep that job. Embrace technology and understand that it can help you be a better, more organized, productive worker.
I remember older salesmen talking about having to know where every single pay phone was in their territory. When their beeper would go off, it was only a matter of seconds before they returned the call, even if the phone booth was half-filled with snow. Cell phones are one convenience that didn’t take much getting used to. And for the record, I’ll take a word processor program any day over a typewriter as well!
Buyer Beware
It’s at times of mass acceptance and progression of technology that we must remember some lessons imparted by the sci-fi classics; while technology is helpful we must keep an eye on it. Are we getting to reliant on machines? Are we entrusting too many tasks to lifeless super-computers? Just some things to think about.
Just Say No
Technology comes with issues. Sometimes early adaptors jump in head first to a new technology, dragging their companies with them. Soon they find out that the rest of the world didn’t think it was as cool as they did and you’re stuck with a giant IT bill and a defunct technology. It’s in situations like these in which companies must enact some self-restraint and say no to a few of the innovations that come across their desk.
Use the Tools
On top of that you have to make sure that people are using the tools you provided them correctly. That means having a thorough training program and enacting policies that aid in the goals of business. There’s no point in setting up a CRM account that someone won’t bother to learn or use. Likewise, what’s the point in having a top of line PC sitting there so someone can tend to their Facebook farm all day?
Be Realistic With Goals & Expectations
As with anything we must temper our excitement and get over our hang-ups and objectively look at technology and what it can do for our businesses. If productivity, morale, efficiently and most importantly the bottom line will be increased then it’s all systems go.
