Honing Your Tech Skills

Photo by businessnewsdaily.com

We live in an era of ever-changing technology, especially in business.  Have you ever seen movies and/or television programs that show what was used in businesses at the time of filming?  Gone are the old mimeograph machines, adding machines, and the very heavy typewriters (I still remember my mother using her Smith-Corona from the 70's when she'd be typing one of her stories).  Nowadays we have 4-in-1 printers, smartphones, and all kinds of computers...laptop, desktop, and even the versatile and portable tablet.  At times I often wonder how people were able to work so efficiently before computers became a mainstay in our busy lives.

With the new technology comes the opportunity to brush up and learn new skills.  Instead of typewriters, there are many word processing programs available where it's not necessary to retype an entire report.  Spreadsheet programs, with their numerous functions, are heavily used in many businesses for data analysis and performance tracking.  If a colleague halfway around the world has an urgent need, they can simply use an e-mail program to have their need addressed without delay.  And there is no need for the old-fashioned overhead and slide projectors...a fantastic presentation can be created with a few clicks of the mouse and some keystrokes.

Some businesses utilize the services of a consultant in order to acquire and learn new skills for their business.  However, consultants are known to charge high fees for their services, so it's generally best to use other resources to hone your business skills.  The public library has a wealth of information available...sometimes even for free!  Many community colleges offer excellent classes in word processing, spreadsheet compilation, creating presentations, and using e-mail programs.  Or, if you are good friends with someone who you know has the skills you need to learn, given them a call and see if they are available to give you a hand.

The bottom line is this...don't be afraid of technology.  Learn how to EMBRACE it! 

Why RESPECT is crucial to success in business...

Photo courtesy of Microsoft.com

In my many years in the workforce, I have witnessed respect and disrespect between employers and employees.  One position that particularly stands out in my mind is when I worked for a homeowner's association management company.  It was a very small business, with the husband-and-wife co-owners and general managers, two property managers, and the bookkeeper (which was me).  The owners strongly believed that since they owned the business, it gave them the right to treat their employees however they wish.  Needless to say, in the two years that I was employed by them, there were numerous turnovers (which included my voluntary resignation) and a very hostile work environment.  The business was sold to another management company not long after my resignation.

What kind of a message is sent when an employee goes to great pains to ensure that their work is done correctly, only to be harshly criticized by their superiors?  Possibly ingratitude, negative reinforcement, and hindering productivity.  Employers need to not only understand how much productivity is generated by their employees, but also to show appreciation, and above all else, respect.  Granted, there are some employers who truly believe that coming down hard on their employees will improve morale and increase productivity.  There have been many articles and studies published which prove that abrasiveness has the opposite effect.  In the end, businesses suffer and end up closing.

Respect goes a long way in establishing good relationships between employers and their employees.