Go Gently Before We Lose Something

I’ve been chatting to a lot of new founders creating digital collaboration tools – innovation is booming. But there’s a common theme that’s niggling me… and while a part of me knows that a new era of working is here, I’m increasingly conscious of what we stand to lose AND wondering if we’ll ever be able to get it back.

Here are 3 snippets from conversations I’ve had recently – notice what comes up for you as you read them:

  • “We don’t need to see people to connect with them, voice and text are perfect for the majority of interactions at work.”
  • “Often we don’t want to have to get ready for a video call, and why should we when there are other ways to communicate?”
  • “Conversation at dinner felt a bit awkward, it’s like we’d forgotten how to do this a little.”

I agree with some of what is being said, and I feel sad. As we optimise for comfort, efficiency and flexibility – what is the potential cost? And can we predict the long term impact?

Human Connection and Dialogue

I believe human beings have a fundamental need and capacity for connection and community. True dialogue takes time, effort, intention, and respect – it’s not easy. I’m part of an online bookclub that is a space for exactly this – we have books, but they are largely vehicles for dialogue and connection. I don’t think this space would be what it is if we were to optimise for speed or move to text based communication.

William Isaacs sums up my fears when he writes:

“What is lacking? Is it some innate quality of wisdom that only a few of us have? Or is it related as Abba Eban suggested, to the fact that we don’t know how to think or talk together in a way that summons up our own deeply held common sense, wisdom and potential?”

William Isaacs, Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together

I hope that as we move forward we are mindful of what we optimise for. I hope that the “efficiency trend” is balanced by investments in connection, community and dialogue. I hope that spaces like my bookclub will not become fossils that I remember with nostalgia.


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One response to “Go Gently Before We Lose Something”

  1. My take, for what it’s worth …

    Re: “We don’t need to see people to connect with them, voice and text are perfect for the majority of interactions at work.” This entirely depends upon how well we know the people we are communicating with. If we know them well then we don’t often require video, but SOME video would be ideal. For the people we don’t know well (and for high stakes situations) then, logically, video is more of a must-have.

    Re: “Often we don’t want to have to get ready for a video call, and why should we when there are other ways to communicate?” That is a ridiculous statement, a lazy attitude. With cameras and mikes built into computers and phones, how is this an inconvenience. And most of the time we’ll be suitably dressed!

    Re: “Conversation at dinner felt a bit awkward, it’s like we’d forgotten how to do this a little.” Might this not be a result of following the first two suggestions posed?

    Great article Kirsten!

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