Exploring new approaches to business in the high-powered world of digital technology
Like a lot of people, I have decidedly mixed feelings about technology. When my PC is firing away, performing all the tricks it’s supposed to, it’s extremely easy to envision myself as a digital trailblazer, pioneering exciting new dimensions of 21st century communications and knowledge. And when my computer seizes up and grinds to a halt, frustrating those world-conquering digital ambitions, I am reminded of the perspective of newspaper columnist Dave Barry: “People in the computer industry use the word ‘user’, which to them means ‘idiot’.”
And so it was with some trepidation that this computer “user” recently accepted an invitation to discuss HOW with a group of executives from the technology industry. In my experience, tech execs tend to be smart, not afraid to challenge and holding strong opinions about what works and what doesn’t – especially in the world of business. But I figured I could hold my own.
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Rethinking the subprime mortgage crisis
Over the last few months, the subprime mortgage crisis has grown to become one of the biggest problems in our economy. As we look over this crisis, its short-term impact is apparent: massive write-downs in the banking industry, a drop in home values and a slowdown in new construction, just to begin with. And as we look down the road, it is clear that this crisis will be with us for some time to come.
Had the mortgage industry been driven by a different set of values – had financial institutions been thinking in terms of should instead of could -- the story might have turned out differently.
Quality of life in the workplace isn’t easily measured.
I was recently asked by Steelcase to talk with to a group of architects and designers as part of the company’s 360 series (www.360series.com). Steelcase – well known for its leading-edge office environments – realizes the importance of connection, reaching out to its professional community to stimulate thought and ideas on shaping cultures through the design of physical spaces.
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The power of an apology.
This summer, millions of people around the world who rely on Internet telephony provider Skype found themselves facing a service outage. The company’s August system failure could have dealt a crippling blow to a VoIP industry struggling for legitimacy. But Skype pulled through, staying focused on its customers while fixing the problem.
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How much is too much?
In today’s New York Times, Lisa Belkin writes about the shifting threshold companies and employees have regarding personal use of company items. Lisa interviewed me for the piece and I offered that a possible solution to the problem of theft may be as simple as not classifying minor thefts as transgressions in the first place.
Lisa’s story looked at the fine points of the issue, but there are some larger points here as well.
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Dov Seidman's Posts
