Few weeks ago I started an online discussion about the allowed use (or not) of Facebook in the workplace. A lot of people participated and the discussions posted were very interesting to say the least.
Regardless of Facebook, workers are not always allowed to use their social networks at work under the allegation that their inappropriate use can negatively impact employees’ focus and productivity.
I personally don’t agree with that. I myself have profiles on Linked In, Twitter, Plaxo, and Facebook, in addition to videoclips on Youtube. My productivity is not affected because of that. Quite the contrary, I believe it’s even higher (the entire discussion about the use of Facebook was conducted through a set of interconnected social networks!!).
On the other hand one must also consider that the improper use of social networks might lead to the loss of productivity and focus in the workplace. It might, but not necessarily.
Let’s use a knife as an analogy. You might consider it to be a weapon, even an object whose use should be forbidden. However, through correct use a knife is an essential tool in several activities. So one way to look at it might be that it’s about how we use each tool we’re provided with.
And this was also addressed in the discussion about Facebook use in the workplace: common sense. But once again I’d like to point out my reservation about this. Common sense doesn’t exist. It’s part of each one’s individual framework and it’s extremely bound by cultural, religious issues; and varies depending on the context.
So how can one allow the use of social networks in the workplace without losing productivity and focus in the results to be delivered? Simple answer. By being focused on management!
It might sound like an easy answer, as if management were the answer for everything. But the truth is that it generally is!
Managers should pay closer attention to the results of their teams and how they produce them. Following the process of result generation and the impact of such process in motivating employees is a responsibility of managers.
For that reason prohibiting people to use Facebook (or any other social network) is not an action suitable to companies that plan on making the utmost use of the potentials offered by the current world. What businesses should be doing is training managers capable of guiding their teams toward maximizing the use of social networks to their own benefits, and training globally connected employees to exchange information, generate content and value online. Of course there are professions in which the use of social networks as work tool is less obvious. But perhaps social networks are today what the world wide web represented a few years back, which was only seen as useful in the academic environment. And does anyone see themselves living without the internet today?
Certainly, accommodating these new tools in the workplace (and why not in schools as well?) will still generate a lot of attrition and adjustment, which is natural.
But it’s already a reality; everyone’s is connected. Even without knowing for sure how social networks can actually help ONLINE is already my middle name and yours. Isn’t it?
2/21/11
2/1/11
I want a career change. Now what?
You may have come to the conclusion that you’re in the wrong career; that your talent is being wasted in your current business or job and that if you make the right move you’ll be much happier than you are today. Does that sound crazy? I don’t think so. And chances are that you’re probably right.
I really believe that deep down people know what their talents or skills are. The problem is that most of the time we are not able translate such talent into a career.
And for that reason changing careers is not a simple thing and can be considered a high risk process. The chances of you falling flat on your face might be high, and probably you might have to take not one but MANY steps back. Are you willing to do it? If so, here are some tips that might come in handy.
The first thing to do is to find out if this new profession that appeals so much to you is really and exactly what you think it is, because no profession in the world is a bed of roses all the time. So try to find out all details about the career you want to embrace. Try talking to professionals in the area; understand how they manage their careers and what are the profession’s difficulties and benefits.
If you already have professional experience, before applying for a degree in the profession you seek, search for information online, blogs, read specialized literature such as magazines or other publications in the field. The reason is because a degree is usually expensive and time-consuming. Besides, academic programs tend to focus on theoretical and technical concepts and this might discourage you from changing careers.
Another important thing is that—most of the time—you might be able to use something from your current or previous profession in your new adventure. Knowledge is never too much; it’s always adaptable.
After that, if you still think that the profession you chose is really what you want, prepare for the change. So, the second thing to do is to prepare to make the transition, which may include some financial planning. That’s right, saving some money, and maybe lowering your standard of living. You don’t expect to make the same amount of money you make today in your already established profession when transitioning to a new career, do you? And this is a success factor, because starting anew without any savings may throw your career change dream out the window.
The third thing to do is to build experience in the area. Initially you might have to work weekends and hours in addition to your current job. You may also have to work as an intern with an experienced professional in the area you want to embrace, helping them and building knowledge in exchange.
Also try to engage with the professionals in your new activity. This way you’ll discover “short cuts” to make your career change transition smoother.
There are several triumphant stories of professionals who have followed this path successfully—lawyers who have become teachers, pilots who are now top executives in major companies, nutritionists who have become musicians, and even more unusual stories such as those by some of the cast members of Cirque du Soleil.
The most important thing is that you don’t want to feel sad or anxious on Sunday nights because you have to go back to work on Monday.
GOOD LUCK!!!
I really believe that deep down people know what their talents or skills are. The problem is that most of the time we are not able translate such talent into a career.
And for that reason changing careers is not a simple thing and can be considered a high risk process. The chances of you falling flat on your face might be high, and probably you might have to take not one but MANY steps back. Are you willing to do it? If so, here are some tips that might come in handy.
The first thing to do is to find out if this new profession that appeals so much to you is really and exactly what you think it is, because no profession in the world is a bed of roses all the time. So try to find out all details about the career you want to embrace. Try talking to professionals in the area; understand how they manage their careers and what are the profession’s difficulties and benefits.
If you already have professional experience, before applying for a degree in the profession you seek, search for information online, blogs, read specialized literature such as magazines or other publications in the field. The reason is because a degree is usually expensive and time-consuming. Besides, academic programs tend to focus on theoretical and technical concepts and this might discourage you from changing careers.
Another important thing is that—most of the time—you might be able to use something from your current or previous profession in your new adventure. Knowledge is never too much; it’s always adaptable.
After that, if you still think that the profession you chose is really what you want, prepare for the change. So, the second thing to do is to prepare to make the transition, which may include some financial planning. That’s right, saving some money, and maybe lowering your standard of living. You don’t expect to make the same amount of money you make today in your already established profession when transitioning to a new career, do you? And this is a success factor, because starting anew without any savings may throw your career change dream out the window.
The third thing to do is to build experience in the area. Initially you might have to work weekends and hours in addition to your current job. You may also have to work as an intern with an experienced professional in the area you want to embrace, helping them and building knowledge in exchange.
Also try to engage with the professionals in your new activity. This way you’ll discover “short cuts” to make your career change transition smoother.
There are several triumphant stories of professionals who have followed this path successfully—lawyers who have become teachers, pilots who are now top executives in major companies, nutritionists who have become musicians, and even more unusual stories such as those by some of the cast members of Cirque du Soleil.
The most important thing is that you don’t want to feel sad or anxious on Sunday nights because you have to go back to work on Monday.
GOOD LUCK!!!
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