Apple's Siri is the smartest voice since Hal from 2001 -- a Space Odyssey. I may be lost in translation, but I have seen folks treat Siri as though it's their best new friend... asking a lot of dumb questions. Eventually, Siri has enough sense to say "Move on."
Geez, are we so immersed in digital communication that we fail to have a conversation in person or connect with someone? The one thing I've learned that is very important is to get up and away from my desk and go actually talk to someone. Go to association programs and learn something or to networking events and meet someone. That person could become a new (real, not Facebook) friend, the key to your next career move, or your next chance to pitch your product or service.
In fact, have you noticed at meetings that it's rare to see people having conversations before the meeting starts or during breaks? It seems like almost everyone is staring at their screens or typing on their smartphones, iPads, or laptops. Occasionally, one of them might glance at you and give you a cursory greeting, but odds are, many "digit-o-philes" won't even look up: a lost opportunity to network, learn, or bond.
I also have to laugh when I see folks making speeches: Most folks are not watching the presenter because many are typing notes, reading another Website (rude), or tweeting what you said. Is it that important to tweet right then? Can't it wait until the program is over?
Nothing I ever said in a speech couldn't wait. One of these days I want to see a speaker start taking their clothes off and see if they can get everyone's attention. I bet most won't even notice.
Again, push the PDA and computer away, get up, and go and get engaged with people. Meet, collaborate, share, and get inspired.
Al, Taking your advice right now -- just have to quickly finish writing this. I'm off to walk the dog and perhaps make some friends on the way. (It's difficult holding the leash and the pooper scooper and still dabble in smartphone text communications at the same time!)
Ever visit a doctor lately (or a GP as we call them in the UK). They barely even look at you because they are typing stuff into their computers all the time. I sometimes wonder if they are actually taking notes or looking at Facebook ;-)
"I sometimes wonder if they are actually taking notes or looking at Facebook ;-)"
That is one bad side of Eletronic Medical Record systems adoption. Doctors seem to be disconnected from their patients while taken notes. I suppose there is a price to pay in order benefit from the technology.
I am still a Luddite when it comes to mobile. As hard as it is to ignore that buzz or beep on my cellphone (they always sound so urgent!) I try to focus on what is in front of me, whether it is a person, speaker or more often, a car.
I do take notes on my PC, though, and I'm not that good a typist, so I look at the keyboard a lot
Barbara, If you want to know how right Al Maag is, just check out how people that have been able to get their hands on the new iPhone 5. These folks will spend a lot of time on their phones and won't take the time as Al suggested to get up, meet and nourish friendships.
Bolaji: Maybe they meet and greet while they are waiting in the long Apple Store lines. More likely, they are trying to sell their iPhone 4 on eBay, which brings us full circle to Al's original point. Sigh...
Barbara, Quite right. They meet and greet but not in the traditional ways (who does that anymore?). They just wave bluetooth-enabled iPhones at each and flash messages like: "May the Apple be with you."
That's certainly good for Apple and other hardware manufacturers but perhaps not for our social skills! Since nobody is selling social skills enhancement products, it's a loss we're learning to live with and soon the next-generation would think we are oddities, that is, if they don't already.
Let me scare you even more. Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple is looking to the future and he believes that 40 years from now, Apple would release the iPhone45, which would be so "good" he wouldn't "want you humans", that is, he won't need to be near humans anymore. It's frightening. Want more? Click the following: Woz on iPhone in 40 Years: "I won't want you humans."
They meet and greet but not in the traditional ways (who does that anymore?). They just wave bluetooth-enabled iPhones at each and flash messages like: "May the Apple be with you."
Even the folks on Star Trek did a fair amount of face-to-face; or face to visage, depending on the species.
Too funny, and too weird.
Apple has created a schism in my extended family: the iPhone users, and everyone else. Jobs, wherever he is, must be having a good laugh at our expense.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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