As technology keeps moving us into the future, it is easy to lose sight of traditional management methods. Considering how appealing the latest gadgets are, it’s tempting to have technology guide our decision making processes in an effort to save time. Can technology really replace the old school business practices?
In order to compete, business owners need to be cognizant of the tried and true management methods that have worked for centuries. The newest technology tools, including cloud computing and business automation software, have provided businesses with a means for measuring company growth and efficiency, but they still pale in comparison to the old school methods of doing business.
Have a Conversation
There’s a reason why some of the biggest names in business continue to dominate in their respective markets. Much of it has to do with their ability to look past technology and rely on good old-fashioned customer service. If you want to walk the walk of success, you need to know how to literally talk the talk. Being able to communicate effectively with clients face to face is a crucial requirement for every company’s success. Web tools such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing are great for communicating with customers and staff members, but no technology can replace the human touch. No software is going to give you the same feel for how a project is actually going compared to taking time to walk around the office, approach your teams, and discusses with them how it’s going. The tone of someone’s voice, eye contact, and the overall physical demeanor of a person’s actions are invaluable cues that will tell you where a project may actually be headed, as opposed to what’s presented in an email.
Video Communication Technology Can Improve Long-Distance Management
Directly talking with someone is the best way to communicate. Many business owners simply do not have the ability to be onsite all of the time for face-to-face meetings. For busy executives, there are many communication solutions out there that can present a viable alternative when you cannot have an intimate meeting. Conferencing solutions such as Skype, Google Hangouts, or Citrix GoToMeeting can be valuable tools that give you the ability to make eye contact and review the status of project with your staff. Using these solutions can ensure that projects have proper oversight so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised at the direction of the project when you return to the office.
Hard Work is the Oldest Method for Success
The old school book of leadership believes that, as the leader of your company; the more involved you are with your employees and projects, the more that the work will meet your expectations. One way that technology helps you to achieve this is by freeing you up from repetitive computer maintenance. By outsourcing your company’s time-consuming network maintenances like data backup, virus scans, software updates, and more, you will find extra time to get down in the trenches and lead your team to victory (the old school way).
A hands-on approach to business leadership can be demanding and time consuming. Doing things the old school way isn’t easy. You will have to put in extra time each week in order to have important impromptu conversations or spend extra time videoconferencing with your team from the road. This extra effort will ensure that the project meets your standards of excellence.
In the end, all of your hard work and perseverance will enhance your company’s ability to profit, grow, and compete. To learn more about how new school technology can help you lead your company the old school way, give Quikteks a call at 973-882-4644. Our team of IT consultants will find the right conferencing solution to meet the needs of your organization.
