How All Leaders Can Embrace Technological Change

According to Michael Cox, vice president and chief economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the rate of technological adoption spreading throughout the population is incrementally speeding up. While it took over 25 years for half of the U.S. population to have a telephone in their home, it only took five years for cell phones to be adopted by half of the population. This is proof that, not only are new devices and technologies coming out faster, but people—your competitors—are adopting new technologies faster as well.

The new world we face is incredibly exciting, immensely interesting, but in truth, sometimes can be overwhelming and just a little scary. Yet, as leaders, it has never been more critical to our success that we stay aware of where the technology is taking us, and how it impacts our work and industry. While you certainly don’t have to be a trail-blazer or the most up-to-date with the technology, you are definitely a role model for leading your team confidently through the changes that impact them. Your attitude about the change will be contagious. Here’s what you can do to confidently tackle change and new challenges coming your way.

Anticipate Change

Most of us hate being blindsided by something we didn’t see coming our way. The best way to feel in control is to be thinking about what’s changing in your area of influence, or in your industry. That way, when reality hits, you have the opportunity to be a leader by having at least a partial game plan for dealing with the change.

Envision Success

Many of us fear not so much the change or new technology, but the loss of control. Will we be as smart, efficient and productive if we have to switch to something new? Of course you won’t. Each time you switch to a new cell phone, device, or operating system, initially you aren’t as fast as you were with the old technology. It is important to remember how much you’ve already learned and maintain a positive vision. Focus on doing what you need to do to master the new challenge. Go for what you want and eliminate the negative self-talk, such as, “This is beyond me. I’ll never get it.”

Keep on Learning

The good news is that you don’t have to be the smartest nerd on your team. In fact, if you’re really smart, you’ve hired a brilliant, tech-savvy employee or two to complement the talents of your other team members. You do, however, need to continuously keep pace with the rapidly changing technology by staying alert and observant to what’s current. Get in the habit of asking your team what’s new and how they think it will impact your business. When you see someone using a technology that you’re not familiar with, ask them to show you what they are doing. Be a sponge. Keep on observing, asking questions and learning.

Play

Give an electronic toy to a toddler and they’ll figure it out quickly. They don’t read the instruction book, they just play. Jump right in with the new technology and explore in no particular order as you playfully navigate options. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll become efficient. When you get stuck, ask someone for help, or Google it. Nine times out of ten, the answer to your challenge has already been asked and Google will quickly take you to your solution.

Set Efficiency Goals

If your goal is to be more efficient and effective, most likely, that will lead you to new technology. Explore Evernote and Shoeboxed or Paperitis, and you will be off to an amazing start of going paperless.

Laugh More

Develop the capacity to laugh at yourself as you leap into learning new technologies and experience set-backs and challenges. Laughter reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. When you can laugh at yourself for not being perfect, it not only helps you put things into perspective, it also reassures your team members that it’s okay to not be perfect.

Celebrate Success

As you conquer the new technology, celebrate your accomplishments. Reflect on all you’ve learned in the past and the goals you’ve achieved. Celebration creates positive energy and forward momentum.

What’s ahead? A quick review of big tech trends tells us what’s in the pipeline . . . 3D printing, Bitcoin, gamification, the internet of everything, cloud storage, and wearable technology. Reading the list is both exciting and scary. If, like me, you don’t have a clue as to what some of these things are or how they will impact you, laugh first, then Google more information. I hope that what you learn in your research and what you’ve learned here will help you face the future and its changes with confidence and excitement.