For centuries, sailors have trusted the stars to guide. Alas, the Polaris is often obscured by weather. Then these dutiful mariners count on experience and faith to help them stay the course. As overcast days persist, the risk of drifting off course increases – along with growing anxiety in the ranks.
Teams form and follow direct interface. Now, with the advent of new technologies, we have become increasingly dependent on the independence provided by them. As seamen rely upon satellites, nearly all of us find modern communication devices imperative. Calls, emails, texts and other services for instant communiqué leave us with both significant freedom and, ironically, its corresponding reduction.
How do we balance the human need for collaboration with our need for autonomy? Can we spend the bulk of our time away from the office while still mentoring and supporting those we work with daily? Perhaps the same is true with our relationships, families and communities. Are there times when it is wrong to just phone it in? Or, do we simply need to find new ways to accommodate for expanding technologies to substitute for face time?
Recently, a community leader shared his frustration that during his extensive travel to build his organization, productivity among his team diminished. Flummoxed, he protested that he was as interactive during travel as while in the office. One wonders if the young and inexperienced managers, exacerbated by the leader’s absence, might simply be seeking a sighting. Is it possible that a directive by email lacks a required nuance to inspire? Would seeing the boss, even virtually, be enough encouragement? Like sailors waiting for a break in the clouds to show the path, could they be somewhat adrift looking for the sky? We don’t require much but do require some.
