Is this really needed?
The Diary of Mad Learning & Development Specialist: Volume 3, Issue 4
You get that weird silence after you ask a question during a meeting and think to yourself, “I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”
During this meeting I asked, “Where will this new process fit in our current work?”
After I asked, I took a deep breath and waited for the retorts. Some stared in confusion. Someone smiled, almost saying to me, “I had the same question.” Then someone launched into an answer.
The answer was more of pointing the action back at me.
“Well, if you have an idea, I’d love to hear it.”
They continued, “I think this is important, but I’m open if you want to take it where it works.”
I’ll be fair with you. When I first heard that, I thought, shouldn’t that have been one of the first things we thought about? That adding another process, system, or tool that doesn’t fit doesn’t make sense.
I explained my reason for asking the question. It wasn’t because I felt like we needed to find a place where it fits. It was about really looking at what we were building here. Were we building something that will empower us as a team, or restrict us over time?
This story is not to throw shade at this person, because I’m sure we’ve all done this. With a process, system, or tool, we just say we need this, add it, and keep it pushing. Like it was something on our checklist to just check off.
The Slackles we didn’t know we had
In that moment, it made me realize that a lot of us are in slavery and we don’t realize the shackles are ones we put on ourselves. We are so focused on the day-to-day that we don’t have time to sit back and see how the things that we created (or others created for us) hold us back from freedom.
This hit me hard because I’ve always been a systems guy (still am, dang it). We need them to do the things we need them to do, but they can restrict us if we let them run overboard. This goes the same with new tools and technology that we introduce into our lives.
How many of us have downloaded an app, started an integration, or just gotten a new phone and seen it take as much time to figure it out as it does to actually use it?
Similar to someone working nonstop, then stopping, looking around, and realizing they’re in shackles too.
I decided it’s time for us to end the tool, tech, and system slavery and have them start serving us. We do not answer to them. They work for us to help make our lives better.
If you don’t think this exists, go to your screen time on your phone. Even someone like me, who tries to stay off his phone, is shocked by the number of pickups and time spent. Another example is tracking your admin time at work (email, Slack, Teams), or even how many times you open your email. Halfway through the day, it will shock you.
These simple examples that we do every day, without even realizing it, show us things need to change.
Will this empower or restrict?
What I’m asking isn’t easy. It’s actually one of the hardest things to do in the modern age. There are books, podcasts, and even shows about it. I even struggle with it myself. But along the way, I’ve found a few key questions that serve as checkpoints when I’m adding a new tool, system, or tech:
Is this the best tool for the job, and am I using it the best way?
Does this process/system empower me or us to reach the result we want, or will it restrict us in the future?
If I add this, what am I giving up and/or gaining (ex. time for clarity)?Is this aligned with my or our goals and values?
We Must Change Now
Slavery may be an extreme word to use, but if we don’t take notice now, we will look up and realize that we are not in control. And no, this isn’t about technology taking over the world. This is about our relationship with the things that ask us for something but don’t give full value back.
Our systems, tools, and technology are supposed to benefit us in a way where we are joyful to have them and realize why. If they are taking up space in our work and personal lives without our permission, what would you call that?
What is one system or tool that you will look to get more value out of?