[July 10, 2015] While the world is better off with the introduction of advanced technology, there is a curious but prophetic line of thought that says that we are also too dependent on that very technology.1 While this reasoning is well-known and true, it is also not that relevant. What is noteworthy is that there is a not-so-visible trend where we find a high-level of leader dependency on technology vastly understated and remarkably dangerous.
“Our technological powers increase, but the side effects and potential hazards also escalate.” – Alvin Toffler
A recent unscientific poll at www.debate.org shows that most agree (84%) that we are too dependent on technology.2 Some say that the consequences of too much dependence is impatience and forgetfulness.3 Others note that technology has had a negative impact on human-to-human communication.4 Leaders are familiar with this thinking. Yet, what we rarely read about is the impact of leader dependency on technology.
When leaders are dependency upon technology, the effect of its failure is magnified by the level of decision-making authority they possess. The concern is that senior leaders without their high tech equipment will feel that they will be unable to do their job and will be unable to effectively communicate their mission or changing operational guidance. In any hierarchical organizations – like most are today – will have trouble with leaders dependent upon more advanced technology. More resilient organizations will get along just fine.
This is why hierarchical organizations have implemented redundant communications systems to keep their leaders in contact with everyone. This illustrates the risk of key leadership dependency on technology. No wonder the U.S. President has multiple, highly-reliable communications systems run by a large, professional team.
When technology fails, and it eventually does fail at some point, senior leaders who are dependent upon it will find themselves out of touch and unable to function. Leaders who have practiced working outside the scope of complex technology and built their organizations to have better, stronger, and resilient teams, will be more likely to be successful.
[Don’t forget to “Like” the Leader Maker at our Facebook Page.]
————————-
- http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/deepening-dependency-technology-raises-risk-breakdowns-32320280
- http://www.debate.org/opinions/have-people-become-overly-dependent-on-technology
- http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brainside.html?_r=0
- http://www.studymode.com/essays/Dependency-On-Technology-Negative-Impact-529721.html