Working DigitallyHigh-touch & High-techRebecca Jonesrebecca@dysartjones.com905.731.5836

the digital environmentwork is no longer where we go; it is what we dowalls & doors are replaced by blurred boundariesthis environment is organized more by thoughts and strategies than by proximityImpact on workTechnology solutionsTips & considerations

Impact on work

Technology solutions

Tips & considerations

the work environment Basic structure of the workplace is relationships. Work gets done through relationships.Adapted from M. Schrage, No More TeamsChanged workflowsChanged relationshipsDemands rethinking, reshaping & balancing the dynamics of working relationships

ImplicationsManagers & leaders have expanded scope of influence & perspectiveInitiatives, priorities & political support have a wider audienceOrganizational “knowledge” (know what’s going on) & understanding of dynamics influencing strategies is broaderTeams have more diversity & broader talent poolMore team members, possibly changing regularly, from different functionsEmployees tend to be more motivated & engaged Appreciative flexibilityMore committed & align personal commitments to performance goals

ImplicationsManagers’ focus shifts from activities to deliverablesAllows time for attention on “overview” rather than detailsMost importantly allows for more strategic thinking, political & relationship building, & build market strengthAllows managers to have collegial authorityMobile employees excel with effective collaborative relationshipsManagers who model collaboration & effectiveness increase employees’ respect & their own positional powerTop Ten Strategies for Managers of Mobile Workers by TerrencyGargiulo, www.makingstories.net

ImplicationsIt’s a changeA change in how managers functions, and how employees functionIt takes time to put new processes & performance practices & measurements in placeProductivity may decreaseAt first ---- and then level out & increaseIt takes timeManagers must learn to influence rather than directProject management is criticalSo is information sharing

Technology as an enablerIt’s not “there” yet, but it getting “there” faster than we realizeWatch what teens & the under 30 crowd are doingThey aren’t afraid of technologyRead Don Tapscott’sGrown up Digital Their norms include freedom, speed, customization & innovationsThey use technology very differently than the over 30 crowdWhat technologies are critical?Web conferencing; shared document space; instant messaging; phone; voice enablement; email

Technology enablersEmail & document spaces (blogs, wikis) are the “pillars”Use to document the “meaty, formal” stuffBack up confirmation after meetings, phone convo’sGroupware for sharing schedules, documentsGoogle docs, groups, soon wavePhone, voiceCombined with a webcam – next best thing to being thereInstant messaging to Blackberry Messenger to iChatThe watercooler – “did you see this?” “how should I do this?” convo

Some of my favourites - Yuuguu http://www.yuuguu.com/Remote sharing of documents & desktopsRemote supportOnline meetings & presentationsInstant messagingSkype www.skype.comPhone to phone or computer to computerInstant messagingWebcamingCallgraph.com or digital recordersBlackberry – “documents to go”

http://awurl.com/V5viXkTJC

InvisibilityCommunication 101high % of messages transmitted via body languageOut of sight is out of mindhonest oversights lead to undermining of trust, productivity & performancefewer opportunities for management feedbackChallenges

Isolation & OverworkWorking & behavioural preferencesextraverts, “people who need people”High tech does not eliminate the need for high touch & interactions with human beingsmust be factored in for some peoplePotential for increased burn-outlonger hoursdifficulty in separating office & home lives“Work is always there. I can hear the phone, my messenger is buzzing….I’d better keeping checking email.”Challenges

ProcrastinationDealing with distractionsgoes hand-in-hand with overwork & burn-outDigital drop-in’sSelf-motivator extraordinaireindividuals must:institute routinesmaintain momentumkeep connected with processes & co-workersSelf-disciplined to “get on with it” & “get off of it”Challenges

Maintaining focusWorking hard, working steadily, but in the right direction?Delicate art of keeping a vision in front of people you can’t see“I sometimes feel like I’m herding cats…”Veteran Virtual Team LeaderChallenges

SolutionsRecognize that virtual relationships take longer to develop“conversations” & virtual water coolers must be explicit & supportedEstablish & enforce clear ground rules & norms for shared work space & processeswhat’s our acceptable turn-around time for returning e-mails? Responding to chat messages? Checking documents?Actively seek opportunities to increase understanding of each other, provide feedback & build trust

How do you build trust?You are available or respond asapYou treat sensitive issues sensitively & recognize that everyone has a different level of sensitivityYou avoid sarcasm & communication that can backfireManagers: visit employees on their turfgo to bat for the budget for technology & travelkeep the norms & insist that all members do

Use the technology to build the teamTeam members introduce themselves via presentations about themselvesHost Thursday or Friday “happy hours” on chat/phone to share weekend plans or just talkEvery email or document has a specific subject line regarding the topicTrust is the bandwidth of communicationK.E. Sveiby

Experience teaches us the managers:Work a lotTravel a lotThrive on their work & on engaging their staffModel collaboration – asking for help, offering ideas, instant messagingAre available – blogs to keep them visible; IM, txt, phone…Are patientAre reliable“How to Manage Employees in Remote Locations,” BNET.com 9/24/2007

Experience teaches us the members:Self-disciplinedStrong communicatorsGood collaboratorsOrganizedDocument work wellAre you ready to work virtually?

Experience teaches us that all involved:Aware of & respectful of other’s working & communication styles & cultural differencesAware & respectful of your own preferences, tendencies, strengths & weaknesses, whether you are extroverted or introvertedComfortable with technologyConfidentIntuitiveDo you WANTto??