The Way We Work
by Miki Saxon
Over the last seven years of writing MAPping Company Success I’ve suggested limiting, and occasionally ranted about, the current 24/7 work style and how our over-connectedness is destroying creativity and innovation along with families and personal health (most recently here and here).
Now, HBS’ Jim Heskett has taken up the gauntlet by posing the question, Is Something Wrong With the Way We Work?
“Is our obsession with technology creating new kinds of potential hazards in the workplace? Is there something wrong with the way we work? What can we do about it? What do you think?”
As good as Heskett is at posing questions that make you think, the greatest value often comes from the reader comments.
Here are excerpts from two I found particularly cogent,
Cell phones, smart phones and any other electronic device that tethers us to the world are the new adult “binkies”. They are the new security trinkets that help people feel better about themselves. All the phobias and insecurities, the feeling of being needed or important, and the sense of belonging that come about from healthy relationships are filled by devices. –Phil Clark, Clark & Associates
This new type of work life disturbs me in two ways. First, it is destroying the art of pondering.
Great advances come from great thoughts, and great thoughts need pondering time. (…) …eureka moments come most frequently when you put aside work and let your mind rest in pleasurable diversions. –Gerald Nanninga, Principal Consultant, Planninga from Nanninga
Many more comments, stories and analysis will be added before Heskett closes the forum.
It will be well worth your while to make time to follow the discussion.
If you choose to participate, please post your comment here, also.
Flickr image credit: The Master Shake Signal
