Leveraging Technology

On a recent trip, I checked in for my flight and got an electronic boarding pass using the airline’s app. I didn’t bother to print the directions to the church where I was speaking because the address was in the contacts on my phone and my map app would show me how to get there. My rental car information was also on my phone, in the calendar, so I went straight to the express desk and was on the way within a few minutes. As I walked from the terminal to the car, the idea for this blog popped into my head, so I dictated a few thoughts into the app that I use for keeping track my notes. When I got to the church, I was able to refresh my memory of the conversations leading up to the event by quickly referring to the online file where I keep notes from phone calls and meetings. When it comes to technology, I am not an early adopter, but once I start to experience the benefits, I’m hooked. I enjoy the ways that it simplifies my life and helps me to be more productive. My schedule is packed, so every minute saved is valuable. I’m fairly confident that your schedule is packed as well. What would you do if you had an extra 30 minutes every day? How would you use the time to lead more effectively? Perhaps you’d take that time to recharge or reflect on a leadership challenge that needs your attention? You might even give that time back to your family. I don’t know which specific technology would give you that extra 30 minutes, but I’m willing to bet that it exists. Think about repetitive or mundane tasks that you do and look for an app that handles them. Or ask colleagues what they’ve found that improves their productivity or simplifies their lives. If you’re not leveraging technology, you’re missing out on a great way to lead (and live) more effectively. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>