Two More Lenses On Our Relationships with Technology

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Two More Lenses On Our
Relationships with Technology
 
We all have different relationships with technology for many different reasons. Last week we suggested that one possible reason stems from when we were introduced to technology in our own lives.
 
With this in mind, last week we shared one of the technology lenses we often see at work. This week we wanted to bring you two more, along with their benefits and challenges, and helpful tips for working with them.
 
Remember, these lenses are not exhaustive, they aren’t all inclusive, and of course not everyone will perfectly fit into one of them. These relationships, or lenses, say nothing about our intelligence or competence. It is just a portion of our experience and the more we understand that experience, the better we can work together. 
Those who encountered technology during adolescence or early adulthood. Interpersonal skills were formed before computer skills, but work habits emerged in the presence of computers and email. They likely had a class in high school or college that taught them computers, email, search engines, coding languages, or applications, and so they were ready to put those skills to work when they arrived on the work scene.
 

• Benefits: These folks often speak both languages: they know the technology, but they also know what it means to learn and work without it. They can speak to those who were raised without computers and those who were raised with them pretty fluently, and see both sides of the conversation, so they may be brought in as a translator between different perspectives.
• Challenges: Technology itself has changed, so the way they first learned it may not still apply. Perhaps more importantly for this group, the ability to see both sides of the tech/non-tech coin can cause them to be a mediator or play a translator role from time to time, while continuing to advocate for and respect both parties.

 
If you fit in to this group, help bridge the gap between folks in the other groups by happily playing the translator. Step up and be an advocate for at least hearing out both perspectives, and practice effective time management skills, so that you can afford to spend a little extra time helping your team.
 
If you work with someone who fits in to this group, see them as a resource, but be respectful of their time. If you’re having trouble understanding why someone else is moving so fast or so slow with that new technology adoption, seek these folks out for insights and perspectives and then apply what you learned. These folks will likely be able to help you understand the languages of Tech and Non-Tech, and they’ll be glad to see you put their insights to work so they can get back to theirs. 
 
Those who encountered technology in early childhood. Interpersonal skills, and computer, tablet, smartphone skills were shaped at the same time as other childhood learning. Computer-based tools in early elementary helped them learn colors, numbers, etc., and they have never known a world without the vast power of the internet at their fingertips.
 

• Benefits: These folks often know technology as part of their basic skill set, and are as familiar with technology-based solutions as with colors and numbers. Harnessing the power of the internet is a natural response to many questions. They’re often among the first to adapt to new technology.
• Challenges: They may demonstrate impatience with slower speeds of change or adoption. They may opt for the tech option (text/IM/email/online form) and shy away from human interaction (meeting, phone call, stopping by someone’s desk), especially for conducting transactions.

 
If you fit in to this group, remember the power of human interaction, maybe not for yourself, but for some of those you work with. Don’t be afraid to make the phone call or stop by their desk to talk something through face-to-face. When presented with an opportunity to do so, try to think outside of the technology box for other solutions that harness human connections for innovation and information.
 
If you work with someone who fits in to this group, don’t judge them for, or feel offended by, their tendency towards technology. If they shy away from picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face, it is not a reflection of your value or theirs. Try not to be frustrated if they move or adapt to changing tools faster than you do, and try to help them be patient if you’re slower to adapt to the new tools. Remember all the technology they bring to the table and offer to help them find non-tech options when they need them.
 
We hope you can see how you or your coworkers might fit in to one of the groups, so that you can better understand and communicate with each other. And we would love to hear from you! How do you or your coworkers fit in to any of these groups? What other groups are present in your office and what strengths do they bring to the table? How have you learned to work with them? Join in the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.