In The Next Version

Last weekend I had the pleasure of playing golf with a few of my colleagues while I was in California. The day reminded me of a few important lessons related to software: 1. Change is hard 2. Good tools can help you 3. Relationships are important

Change is hard
I've been playing golf for 3 years.  Last weekend was the first time I'd ever used clubs other than my own.  I was very uncomfortable, my confidence was low, and it resulted in some pretty poor play.  The same thing can happen with software.  Whether you are changing to a new operating system, switching email clients, or using a new type of software for the first time (chat, wikis, microblogging, social networking) change is always hard.  There is a learning curve required before you're comfortable, and it takes some time until you can work efficiently and effectively.

However, as the saying goes, only a bad workman blames his tools.  The clubs I rented were not my the main causes of my problems, it was my poor swing.  Same thing happens in software.  I often hear people complain about features (or lack of) in a software product they don't know how to use.  I've done it myself many times.  While the golf swing takes a lifetime to learn, thankfully software does not.  A quick scan of the help file, a few learning videos, and maybe a tips and tricks blog or newsletter is often all you need.  Which leads me to point #2...

Good tools can help you
My golf clubs are designed for new players.  Using cool technology tricks, they help me overcome some of the flaws in my swing.  However, this only goes so far and at some point in order to get better, I really need to improve my skills.  Software often works the same way.  A well designed product makes it simple for new users, but also puts a lot of power into the hands of those more experienced.   When you start to use a product (like a wiki or spreadsheet) you need to be able to get going quickly.  If you are too frustrated, you're not going to continue.   But once you've learned the basics, a product should give you room to grow.

Relationships are important
Many companies are finally starting to understand that social software is not "a way for employees to waste time".  Instead, it helps connect people together, provides a sense of teamwork, and removes the hierarchical silos that create barriers to information sharing.   My golf outing was with my CEO, one of our Sales people, and our new PR manager.   Sure we talked about work some, but for the most part we enjoyed the day telling stories, sharing things going on in our lives, and talking about our families and friends.  While getting to know your colleagues on the golf course is ideal, sadly it's not realistic on a daily basis.   But social software tools can accomplish many of the same things, just without the greens fees.   Internal microblogging for example, allows people to share what they are doing, both work related and personal, and can lead to a much closer relationship between coworkers.  Similarly, Profiles enable people to share information about themselves, far beyond just the work related skills listed on their resume.  As a remote employee, I'm trilled that social software is part of my daily toolset, as it allows me to feel like part of my company.

So remember, have patience as your company starts to adopt new tools.  Focus on the positive benefits that will come, and help people through the required learning curves, both technically and culturally.

(photo used via CC http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2552054331_7796e47a69_m.jpg)


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