Technology… the double-edged Leadership Sword

Even though my grandmother passed away nearly 20 years ago, I can still recall a conversation she and I had one evening about everything she had witnessed in her lifetime. My grandmother was born in 1914 and since that time we have accomplished a great deal. Prior to the birth of my grandmother, three key inventions took place: Transatlantic radio signal; the Wright Brothers successful flight; and the Ford assembly line. Let’s take a short journey through history:

• 1914 – Rocket experiments began, which eventually allowed a group of courageous men to lead the exploration of space, then in 1969, step onto the surface of the moon.
• 1922 – provided the world to come to life in color movies, closely followed by the
• 1924 – introduction of the television…which today is a household staple – the larger, the better!
• 1928 – welcomed the life-saving technological discovery of penicillin.
• 1946 – brought us ENIAC – also known as the first computer. Who would have considered that in just 50 short years, we’d see computers small enough to also double or triple as a phone?
• 1972 – computers entered the home and provided entertainment with the ever popular “Pong” – does anyone else remember that little ditty? My, “Wii™” have come a long way, baby!
• 1973 – GPS was invented by DOD and is now not uncommon to find as a palm-sized version in many cars. We also saw the slow take-off of the “mobile phone” – I think I still have one of those HUGE phones in my basement.
• 1981 – the personal computer entered the scene.
• 1983 – Windows 1.0 – How many of you remember DOS?
• 1989 – the world exploded with the World Wide Web. It’s difficult to remember just 17 years ago when I had to go to the library for research!
• 2001 – AbioCor artificial heart allowed folks to continue living and the iPod gave them music anywhere to enjoy life.
• 2005 – YouTube online videos began changing the marketing, training, and understanding of our culture.

This short list only focuses on the technological advances in the last 100 years and doesn’t even begin to explore the cultural, social, and business changes. With all of these technological advances…how do they affect YOUR leadership? I will challenge you that as technology have increased over the years, effective leadership may have decreased. Don’t stop reading yet!

With cell phones, laptops, instant messages [IM], LinkedIn, e-mails, webinars, and teleconferences, we are becoming a society who relies more heavily on technology than the personal contact. The “front porch” argument will not come into play this time. I maintain my soapbox stand that effective leadership IS effective because you, the leader, take the time to communicate with, work through, and develop those you lead. Is it possible to learn a specific skill or tool through an on-line course? Absolutely! Will that method be as effective, lasting, and life-changing as if an individual would take time from the precious 24-hours God gives us each day to talk with, get to know, and coach another person? My opinion…no way! Technology has a place and that place can be very effective.

Technology… the double-edge leadership sword. So, how do you balance the wonderful tools of technology with the personal side of leadership? Use technology for what they are…tools. What are some ways technology can help you in your leadership?

1. Use IM to check in with your team and see how they are progressing on a project the two of you had discussed.
2. Use e-mail as a way to send some helpful information or as a good resource for developing a specific area; then, follow-up this topic over coffee.
3. Call their cell phone to schedule coffee or lunch where you can talk one-on-one.
4. Check out their LinkedIn account and submit a recommendation on their behalf.
5. When you are out of town, consider a teleconference with a group of your team for a brainstorming session.

There are certainly many reasons and benefits that swing in favor of keeping our technologically-advanced world and not returning to the days of carrier pigeons and smoke signals. Yesterday, my cell service was out…I found myself having withdrawals and an increased anxiety level with “what if” scenarios. You know, I got a bit more exercise yesterday, having to get up, walk over to talk to someone face-to-face…and the added benefit…I had a few more laughs, so I’ll live a couple of extra hours.

This month, I challenge you again:

1. Find at least one way each week that you can utilize a technology tool as a springboard to a personal one-on-one leadership coaching or development opportunity with your team member. The rewards will pay off in the end.
2. Intentionally plan to meet with each of your team members – in person – at least once during this next month. Do you have too many…select 4 or 5 that you feel are most pliable and on the path for leadership in your company.
3. Do you want to discover what areas your employees want to focus for their goals? Have them take a free goals report. [Visit our website: www.InspiredToLead.com]