Sunday
31Jan2010
The Real Work
The tech industry will be in paroxysms of future shock for some time to come. Many will cling to their January-26th notions of what it takes to get "real work" done; cling to the idea that the computer-based part of it is the "real work".
It's not. The Real Work is not formatting the margins, installing the printer driver, uploading the document, finishing the PowerPoint slides, running the software update or reinstalling the OS.
The Real Work is teaching the child, healing the patient, selling the house, logging the road defects, fixing the car at the roadside, capturing the table's order, designing the house and organising the party. - Fraser Speirs, Future Shock
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Reader Comments (6)
That gave me chills. Thanks for sharing.
This is a fantastic reminder that no matter how far technology may take us, there are some fundamental elements of work and every day life that can never be replaced by a computer.
Terrific insights, Gwen. I'm with you - the iPad will fulfill Steve's dream. My biggest problem right now is whether to get the wifi only or get 3G when I already have an iPhone. Ah, decisions! :-)
Interesting... I went and read the whole article, and promptly sent links to others! Thank you for sharing.
PS. I love the iPad! (Les - I thinking wi/fi only. If it has bluetooth & you have iPhone, you could always tether)
It's amazing how far we've come with technology yet so many things are still dependent upon the simple human element. Thanks for sharing! =)
Thank you so much for sharing this link Gwen! This is exactly what I've been trying to put into words. I work in technology, and I've been having this argument with a few colleagues. In the midst of one discussion, a colleague ran into his office, unwrapped a new netbook, and asked me if I could fit it in my purse. I told him it's not about size, it's about focusing on what I really need to be a more effective professional, friend, and contributor.
We try to remember and discuss the technology pendulum. It goes from "everything all the time" back to "less is more, and here is all I really need." And it goes from "I control my own environment" to "let someone else do it (who does it well), so I can focus."
All that being said, you picked the perfect excerpt to post. It really is all about human connections and a more effective lifestyle.
Thanks again :-)