The Impossible takes a little longer

Think Digital. Act Analog.by Art Berg, CSP

The world is changing technologically. We have fax machines, satellite transmissions, digital technology, wireless communications and an information super highway. There is no doubt that technology has and will change the way we communicate and conduct business, locally and globally.  In 1985 I purchased my first IBM PC. It had dual floppy drives, 256K of memory, an RGB monitor and a 300 bps modem. It cost me $5,000. Today its only value is as a door stop! I remember reading an article in the late 80's that predicted that, by the year 2000, computers at work and home would give you and me as much as 40% more discretionary time. How are you enjoying all of your extra time right now? The reality is that it has made many of our lives busier. Demand is greater. The world has become a smaller place. Competition is more fierce.

Technology has increased the speed of change in every industry. I read a recent article from a financial analyst who is now predicting that, in the next 10 years, only 10% of the Fortune 500 companies will even still be in the Fortune 500-depending on how they are using technology today.

Technology isn't just about gigabytes, bandwidth, random access memory or USB ports. It has a human factor, too. As employees, citizens, parents and people, we need to take some lessons from computers without losing the human touch. If not, we will find ourselves as useful as my old IBM PC is to me today-makes a great conversation piece, but provides no value. Here are some suggestions from the digital perspective:

1. Anticipate change. Nothing is more difficult than changing when we are forced to. Far better is to anticipate change in our lives and make the necessary adjustments long in advance of changing circumstances. Put money aside for unforeseen problems. Learn cross-functional skills at work. Keep your network of resources active.
2. Learn something new. Don't wait for someone else to thrust new ideas on you. Take time each day to learn something new. Take advantage of the information age by developing new skills, discovering different perspectives, and being open to a broader view of your world. Don't be afraid to do something that makes you uncomfortable. Be willing to learn as you go.
3. Be flexible. Adjust quickly. There is little time for feeling sorry for oneself today. Get up, brush yourself off, learn something from your experiences and move forward. You have to be willing to change directions quickly, learn from many sources, and adapt to your environment. Inflexibility today may lead to extinction tomorrow.
   

While it helps us to think digitally, we should never forget the strengths of acting analog. Here are some keepers:

1. Develop meaningful relationships. In an era of "instant messaging," email, and video conferencing, there has never been a greater need for meaningful relationships than there is today. Strong relationships are built today the same way they were a thousand years ago. It requires genuine concern, mutual understanding, sacrifice, service, love, listening and selfless devotion. Solve other people's problem for them and you'll never be without friends. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Stop by for a visit. There will never be a substitute for time.
2. Contribute to a team. Few things are done alone today. Many goals are achieved by teams working well together. To be a contributing member of a successful team you need to be considerate of others, a good communicator and willing to make and keep commitments. Find reasons to include others rather than to exclude them. Draw people in rather than push them out. The strength of great teams can often be found in their diversity. Don't let the differences found in others prevent you from focusing on your common goals. When we make stereotypical assumptions about others, we limit our own success.
3. Some things should never change. Acting analog means being open to change without abandoning our values, principles, ethics and faith. Be an individual of principle. Identify your values. Consider the timeless principles that govern your life. Hold to the faith of your childhood.

Technology will continue to speed change in every industry. By embracing the strengths of a digital world and holding to the highest qualities of human nature, we will be better prepared for the new millennium.