For many people technology is a wonderful thing that they can’t imagine living without. For others, it’s their Mount Everest, and a source of professional stress and debilitating anxiety.
Through working with people across all sectors and abilities, we understand the importance of catering for everyone. With that in mind, we wanted to impart a few pearls of wisdom on the matter.
Take a deep breath, and dive in
The world is becoming astonishingly tech-integrated. There is an app for almost everything these days, but nobody was born an expert. A big part of it comes down to confidence. If you’re worried about feeling stupid because you’re struggling with the tech, just remember this. There are things that you can do that are daunting other people.
Sometimes the easiest way is to immerse yourself in the tech. There are plenty of benefits to doing so. These days having even a bit of fluency in software, apps, or online processes will help maintain a competitive advantage either as an employee or an employer.
As a business owner it will certainly keep you ahead of the game. You might not need to be an expert, but a working knowledge of the technology available to support your business will help, especially when it comes to recruiting in staff who do know how it all works.
Expanding your digital horizons
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
The best way to learn is to seek the advice of those who really know what they’re doing. It’s good for their ego to show off their skills, too.
Practice makes perfect
Sadly, skills can’t be absorbed by osmosis. Get stuck in and be prepared to learn as you go along. Practice in a professional capacity but also at home where the consequences of making a mistake are minimised.
Request some training to bring you up to speed
If your employer is pushing for more tech-heavy processes, you’re well within your rights to ask for training.
Communication
Be honest about what you feel are your weaker areas. It will help colleagues understand that you are trying your best, so that your concerns aren’t misconstrued as unwillingness or a lack of motivation.
Take regular tech breaks, especially during the learning phase. As humans we become much less able to develop new skills over large blocks of time, and are better suited to ‘little and often’.
Don’t lose yourself in amongst the gadgetry. Technological advances are not a replacement for solid experience, so look at ways for the tech to underpin your skills for your convenience.
Be respectful and accommodating of the opinions and methods of others. There is no right or wrong when it comes to technology preferences – just different ways of skinning the same fruit.
