As leaders we must stay current by being active in research and technological advances. We need to stay abreast of changing technology and updates which will impact our work as leaders not only in our workplace – also in our families and within our communities. When we remain open to advances in technology by trying to incorporate them into our lives when applicable and/or possible it demonstrates to those we serve that we strive for excellence.
In keeping an open mind we allow
ourselves to view the perspectives of others before making decisions. In fact,
showing appreciation for others perspectives by involving them in decisions
which will impact them can determine the success of the organization.
Technology is changing – like it or not.
I may be slower than some to get on board with technological advances. However,
change is not always a bad thing. I am learning to embrace technology more and
am learning to use it as an adjunct to communications and interactions with
others – not as a replacement.
Corning’s “A Day Made of Glass” is both
intriguing and startling to someone like me who is not as quick to embrace
change. In this video practically anything can be done with the use of glass – using
a stovetop, rearranging pictures on a refrigerator, and organizing a closet –
all on glass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qmwdbhsbVs&feature=youtu.be).
Yep, you read that right! Glass could be the new go to tool when it comes to
technology – which could decrease the amount of bulky laptops or even tablets bought
all across the world.
Then there is Kevin Kelly and his interpretation
of the six forces or long term trends which show us where the web is going in
the future. The six trends are: 1) Screening – everything will be on a flat
surface. 2) Interacting – the web will watch us watch it interacting with our
whole bodies. 3) Sharing – all that can be shared will be shared. 4) Flowing –
change from web based to being built with streams which connect to a cloud. 5)
Accessing – there will be access to items without ownership – no paying for
upkeep simply paying to use the item. 6) Generating – involves items which are
easy to pay for but hard to copy. For example, it is not the journal article
you pay for, instead it is the download speed. (http://www.web2expo.com/webexsf2011/public/schedule/detail/19292)
And Google…we cannot forget about these
guys! They are creating innovative technology through their “Google Glasses
Project! Through a pair of glasses people will be able to see data through
their lenses. From warnings about the subway being closed to driving instructions
clearly glasses will be the hot commodity in the world of technology. The glasses
are somewhat of a hyped-up Syri from the iPhone – the ‘voice’ can record
instructions/reminders for you, locate friends, check-in to places. The glasses
can also take pictures and share them with your friends, play music, and allow
for Face Time with friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSnB06um5r4).
Are we going too far with technology?
Are we allowing it to consume us? In David Rotman’s blog, How Technology is
Destroying Jobs, he states “rapid technological change has been destroying jobs
faster than it is creating them, contributing to the stagnation of median
income and the growth of inequality in the United States” (http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-jobs/).
What will happen when we rely so heavily on all the technology in the world and
it all crashes? It is plausible. We could all wake up one day and technology
could fail. What will we do then?
In my previous posts I write about
balance. We have to balance our use of technology with our sole dependence on
technology. As we move closer to some of the aforementioned tools we start to
tip the scale more towards dependency and less towards balance. Are we moving
towards a society of individuals who cannot think for themselves? While
technology can help us to research and seek new information it can also help us
to become more lazy and dependent.
It is no longer a personal preference
regarding the use of technology. Rather it could be a threat to our
professional lives (http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/515926/how-technology-is-destroying-jobs/).
When our jobs are filled with robots instead of people our role will shift
towards keeping the technology running and working adequately.
To: in Search of Magis
ReplyDeleteFrom: NotSocrates
Thanks for the interesting post. I, like you, may be slower than some with regard to technological advances. However, I too am learning to embrace technology as I use it more. This class has been an immense help in that perspective. I think you ask the key question in this technological era – “Are we going too far with technology?” I often wonder that myself. I think that there is a danger in doing so, particularly where it supplants our humanness. This can happen both at the individual and societal levels. People in my workplace would rather send an email than walk two cubes over to talk to someone. In my eyes, they are using technology to
Avoid human interaction. I don’t think that is ever a good thing. This then, is one of the dangers of technology. I worry that Albert Einstein had it right when he said, “It has become abundantly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity”. Although he was talking within a different context, I cannot help but think he is more correct now than he was when he originally said it.
It is good to know I am not alone! I definitely feel as though this class has helped me to embrace technology more! I had attempted one other time to write a blog but gave up quickly as the idea overwhelmed me. I almost always get on board with technological advancements - it just sometimes takes me a bit longer than others. I like what you said about Albert Einstein and his quote -- quite interesting he said that so long ago!
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteNot sure that technology like robots or any other emerging advance will replace humans. Seems to me that the key to sustaining humanity while embracing technological advances is by keeping humans in the loop. This mandates that we not only stay abreast of advances, but that leaders anticipate advances and be deep into the dialogue on how to incorporate technology without sacrificing values and standards. It's a brave new world, but doing anything less than being interactive with it means becoming an anachronism or irrelevant...Will
Will,
DeleteThanks for your perspective! You have a point - we as humans must stay in the loop and have dialogue concerning the incorporation of technology! I always enjoy others perspectives - as my own view can be a bit cynical at times. Thanks!
I am reminded of an old joke (and I have been around a long time) that in the future, the typical work team will consist of a person and a dog. The person's role will be to feed the dog...and the dog's role will be to bite the person if they attempt to interfere with the computer.
ReplyDeleteWe are not quite there yet. I am strangely comforted by Mary-Elise's post this week and the ads from 1993. None of the ads actually got it right..yet their vision of the future in many ways came totally true.
So, will be be totally surrounded by glass (and glasses). Who knows, but I suspect we will be in a more interactive world...and that opens many opportunities.
Hey I like the idea of spending time with a dog :) Haha! I will check out Mary-Elise's post. You are right - technology will help us to live in a more interactive world. Thanks for the reply!
DeleteNice blog Sarah! I think we all adopt differently and the pace or the approach doesn't really matter. I was not alarmed in the least way by the Corning video you referenced above. I actually can't wait until that type of technology becomes available in my price range. I am not sure why I am fascinated by it. I don't think it will make me any better or efficient. I think I am attracted to it because it is different. Sometimes as a leader within my organization I think technology might be being adopted for the sake of change. Ponder that thought for a moment.
ReplyDeleteNow let me ask you about the Google Glasses. Do you really think these will be largely adopted? I do not, but I do think the type of technology will be adapted and when the glasses are no longer required, it will be embraced. Again, it is about changing for the sake of change. It really doesn't vastly change the way we function - at least that is my view (without the glasses). I didn't think the iPad would change my life like it has either...
Although I depend on several sources of technology to function in my daily life, I do not see technology taking over. I agree there is a balance we must find as leaders on how to integrate and make technology a part of what we do. It can't become who we are and what we do. If this is what technology becomes, there will be no need for leadership. I don't see that day coming!
Mary,
DeleteThanks for your reply! I do see the glasses taking off - just because it would be new and different. I personally would be more apt to utilize the screens in the Corning video versus the glasses. I don't think I would like having something that close to my eyes - although it does seem like it would be interesting! I am trying to adapt to the changing technology - to be open to what will enhance and sustain the organization. My perspective has already immensely changed over the course of this class.