Does Technology Enable or Entrap?
03/31/03
Patricia McLagan knows the value of technology in making change work: "Integrate technology. Technology isn't just nice to have; it's critical for creating transformational capacity. However, technology must be a means to an end, not an end in itself. The largest global ongoing study of changes occurring in organizations throughout the world drew a surprising conclusion: Of all factors reviewed, only IT had a significant and positive relationship to performance. But that was true only when it was integrated with other changes related to creating a more network-like and less topdown organization."
Does your technology enable or entrap? Do your IT systems create busy work that keeps you and your people from accomplishing your mission or do your IT systems free you to make a difference where it counts? Where is your technology working for you? Where is technology getting in the way? IT can be an invaluable asset in transformational change. IT can also sap organizational resources in tangents that lead nowhere. Invest in systems that support strategic business goals; resist saying yes to "new and improved" systems or software that even if they work will not produce needed results. Take a look at the end of the process--Will it allow your people to make meaningful decisions faster and more accurately in the service of your customers? If it doesn't help a customer or someone who does, don't do it. Who wants technology that makes you better at doing something no one needs done? To help focus your IT efforts and to get the maximum bang for your IT buck, give IT a seat at the table for strategic planning. When your IT team knows and participates in shaping where you are going, they can often help you get there faster and more effectively. Take a look this week at where technology is working and where it is not?
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"As sophisticated adults, we hate to make the mistakes necessary on our next journey to technological mastery. We want to hide alone in a room and cautiously hit buttons afraid that if we push the wrong button, Burbank is destroyed! Kids attack the keyboard intuitively exploring options and strategies. There are no problems, just another reboot to try again! I have a winning strategy for you. Sit your child or grandchild in front of your computer and bribe them--'You teach mommy and daddy how to use this software, and we will give you a cookie!" --Terry L. Paulson, PhD, CSP, CPAE
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Loren Ekroth (www.conversation-matters.com) provides this week's dose of mirth--more one-liners for us to enjoy:
Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.
Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.
If at first you don't succeed, see if the loser gets anything.
Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...