Jim Champy is an author and consultant, and has written an article on the impact of web 2.0 on leadership for the Harvard Business Review as part of their six part series on what leadership may look like in the future.
A taste of his article:
“Real leadership requires relationships and personal engagement. Nothing I see in technology has yet to replace those qualities.”
Does technology create a false sense of security for leaders? Does technology distract the skills of leaders from their team? Read the full, concise insight here. Share your thoughts below - all comments get an Innoxa goodies bag.
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Narelle Stoll commented on 19-May-2010 10:10 PM
Peta commented on 20-May-2010 12:52 PM
sphinxx commented on 20-May-2010 01:29 PM
Narelle Stoll commented on 19-May-2010 10:10 PM
One mistake people make about leadership is that is not necessarily just about the communication. While a professional sharp delivery can certainly create impressions in peoples minds about a persons leadership ability other skills that need to be considered in parallel include strategic thinking and management of resources and people including sharing of resources and development of skills . One of the mistakes that I believe people make with using modern technology is the way they deliver the message both in content and visual and auditory appearance. If a persons friends, colleagues and workmates are being bombarded by messages that are frequent and unrelated in content, all they will perceive of that person is a generator of annoying noise and clutter.
A good leader who has the ability and the understanding of the importance of planning will have a good understanding of the strengths and weakness of the technology they are using and be quite strategic in their selection of communication device, intended audience and message they want to convey. For example While SMS and text messages may be an effective method for calling snap meetings, face to face meetings and one one one briefings may be equally an effective tool for communicating complex processes and ideas and obtaining feedback from staff.
In the case of technology being a distraction for the leader once again this also depends on making a decision on its purpose for use but also recognising that some technology may be best forwarded to other members of their team to use rather their time being wasted in struggling through a process.
In conclusion if a person is feeling their lives are being consumed by technology then I believe it is time for them to stop using that technology, evaluate its use and develop a clear strategy around its use and messages they want to send and deliver. I would also recommend that a person does not use technology as a cover up for poor communication skills. Instead they take initiative to improve themselves in this area, rather than simply hiding behind a screen.
A good leader who has the ability and the understanding of the importance of planning will have a good understanding of the strengths and weakness of the technology they are using and be quite strategic in their selection of communication device, intended audience and message they want to convey. For example While SMS and text messages may be an effective method for calling snap meetings, face to face meetings and one one one briefings may be equally an effective tool for communicating complex processes and ideas and obtaining feedback from staff.
In the case of technology being a distraction for the leader once again this also depends on making a decision on its purpose for use but also recognising that some technology may be best forwarded to other members of their team to use rather their time being wasted in struggling through a process.
In conclusion if a person is feeling their lives are being consumed by technology then I believe it is time for them to stop using that technology, evaluate its use and develop a clear strategy around its use and messages they want to send and deliver. I would also recommend that a person does not use technology as a cover up for poor communication skills. Instead they take initiative to improve themselves in this area, rather than simply hiding behind a screen.
Peta commented on 20-May-2010 12:52 PM
Like all tools, technology requires careful application. Too often we see what the author has experienced where people are physically there but are not connecting because they are distracted by the technological clutter. I have found, however, that social networking is a technological innovation which adds to my leadership toolbox rather than detracting.
Today’s leaders cannot get away from the fact that social networking sites are increasing in scope and popularity. Using these tools well can provide some real insights into where your staff are at and how best to engage and motivate them. Often, I can identify problems in motivation or commitment far earlier from a Facebook or twitter thread than I can do in the busy-ness of the office.
So, I say embrace it all…But, like all things leadership, apply with caution and do not look at technology as a quick fix which replaces the tried and true but as an additional tool in the leadership toolbox.
Today’s leaders cannot get away from the fact that social networking sites are increasing in scope and popularity. Using these tools well can provide some real insights into where your staff are at and how best to engage and motivate them. Often, I can identify problems in motivation or commitment far earlier from a Facebook or twitter thread than I can do in the busy-ness of the office.
So, I say embrace it all…But, like all things leadership, apply with caution and do not look at technology as a quick fix which replaces the tried and true but as an additional tool in the leadership toolbox.
sphinxx commented on 20-May-2010 01:29 PM
Thanks Narelle and Peta for your great points.
Peta please send me your mailing address via the contact us page so I can get the innoxa goody bag to you!
Peta please send me your mailing address via the contact us page so I can get the innoxa goody bag to you!
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