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What are five ways technology can make you a better leader?
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I will not bore you with the tales of people who have used technology irresponsibly. These are the people who have posted less than desirable pictures or comments on MySpace, Facebook or Twitter only to find out that they were not the best way to make an introduction into their professional careers. I will tell you how technology can make you a better leader, if used correctly.
Here are five ways technology can make you a better leader and more valuable employee.jpg)
1. Learn about the newest technology
You do not have to adopt every new technology that comes along but you should be aware of their existence. Many people discount new technology as not having any relevance because they already have their preferred method of doing something. Just because you have been happily using Google as your preferred search engine for the last few years does not mean that you can ignore Bing. Both search engines have things to offer but if you only allow yourself to use one, then you may be missing out on something that could help you with your career.
In addition, you do not want to be the one at your workplace who cannot participate in a discussion because you have never even heard of a certain the technology. In the age of rapidly changing technology it is important to have a broad overview of relevant technology, especially as it pertains to your profession. The important thing here is not to immediately adopt every new technology that comes along but to be familiar with it, and, if possible, use it, even if it means just going through a demo.
2. Social networking sites are not just social anymore
When social networking sites started out years ago, they were riddled with personal material and inane topics that were only attractive to the writer's personal friends. Now things have changed dramatically. Twitter, blogs, and Facebook are a few of the social networking sites that are used by respected organizations all over the globe to communicate news in a real-time. Some of the organizations that use social networking sites are CNN, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Time and Fortune.
Depending on your area of professional interest, you can find an organization that will use your preferred social networking site to find the information you need. Not only can you find topics that are directly related to your profession but you can obtain real-time information about a topic instead of waiting for the white paper on the subject to be published in six months or more. This is especially important for any professional who wants to stay current in his or her field.
3. Never put anything you would not want on a billboard on the Internet, period
I recently gave a seminar in which I spoke about appropriate and inappropriate material on the internet. After the presentation, I was approached and asked if it was OK to have "borderline" pictures on the internet, especially since the site was password protected and it showed her personality. "Borderline" was defined as being slightly inebriated. I told her that if she ever has reservations about putting up a picture, then don’t. Also, the "What would my parents think?" question should be asked if there is ever any doubt.
Unfortunately, even password protected sites can be compromised and have been. In the past, several sites have had information that was supposed to remain private go public, even if it was for a few hours. The point is that nothing is completely safe on the Internet and that should be the rule of thumb for posting pictures, commenting or anything else that you do on the Internet. When you think about the longevity of your career, also think about how things that you post on the Internet today could be potentially harmful to you in the future. Again, if you have to think about whether to post something on the internet, then don’t.
4. Be part of the discussion and participate
The Internet is wonderful tool because it allows you to learn a lot by using just a computer and an Internet connection. No longer do you have to go to the public library to find out something that can be found in a few efficient key strokes. That is great news for those professionals seeking information to make them better at what they do, whether it is locating the annual rate of return on a treasury bond circa 1990 or the life cycle of the cicada. In addition, being able to participate and join the conversation on whatever professional subject you desire is also important.
Because of some of the social networking sites mentioned above, you can discuss topics with leaders in your field. Today it is rare to get that kind of access to leaders without attending a conference or without being part of their immediate circle but in the age of the Internet you can participate. Most leaders who use these social networking sites do so because they want feedback, encourage discussion and want people to ask questions. In addition participating demonstrates that you are brave enough to enter the discussion and that you have something worth being heard. So, take a chance and stop being the "long time reader" and participate.
5. Lead by example
After you have participated on the Internet for a while, take a chance and lead a discussion, become the professional others follow. Start your own blog, start Tweeting, do something that will demonstrate that you know what you are talking about and know your profession. Whenever I suggest this to most people, the first thing they say is that they do not feel like they have enough experience to really be a leader but a leader has to start somewhere and most of the people I speak with usually have a whole lot more experience than they give themselves credit. If you write about what you know then you are definitely the expert. Starting something new takes effort but to become a leader in your profession you have to start somewhere.
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