The needs were different each week but the goal the same. Through these experiences, I learned that the technology does not improve the individual or department. Rather the marriage of the device to the technique creates productivity. This should be no surprise since many consider technology a conduit of productivity THE medium to improve the way we operate and do business, the vehicle of efficiency. However, something isn't right with this assumption.
Technology is a tool.
Productivity does not come from having more tools. It comes from knowing how to manipulate a tool to produce results. Involved in designing knowledge, training, and implementing technology, I realized that I needed to identify what productivity means to the organization or department prior to rolling out a technical solution. When the tool is designed to facilitate learning or knowledge, defining what productivity means becomes even trickier, but the base concern remains true. This article is my way of thanking those who helped me learn how to identify the means of translating technology into productivity vehicles, educated me on identifying accurate solutions, and lent a helping hand in validating the results.