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| NETWORKED Worker vs. SWOT |
The impact of the internet in the work environment necessitates us to revisit how we once approached evaluating an organization's SWOT analysis. With the evolution of the internet, listing a company's internal and external strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats undergoes a new make over. It's impossible to think of the benefits and potential challenges the new type of worker - networked worker - presents to the world of work without integrating the best practice strategic planning model known as SWOT. It's difficult to determine to what extend the internet or the individual is contributing to the new category of networked workers. Perhaps it's fair to say both are equally opportunistic.
When I examine the pros and cons of the networked worker to the advancement of an organization's vision, mission, goals and objectives, I need to look no farther than that of my own organization. As an educational leader, I as well as my colleagues would be classified as Madden and Jones (2008) termed "constantly" connected. Therefore, I am among the new generation of networked workers. And, the success and often failure of my organization is dependent upon the ingenuity and skills of its networked workers. Having an inside point of view, my thoughts on advantages and disadvantages of networked workers is expressed below.
When I examine the pros and cons of the networked worker to the advancement of an organization's vision, mission, goals and objectives, I need to look no farther than that of my own organization. As an educational leader, I as well as my colleagues would be classified as Madden and Jones (2008) termed "constantly" connected. Therefore, I am among the new generation of networked workers. And, the success and often failure of my organization is dependent upon the ingenuity and skills of its networked workers. Having an inside point of view, my thoughts on advantages and disadvantages of networked workers is expressed below.
THE NETWORKED WORKER
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| ADVANTAGES____________________________CHALLENGES
Increased Efficiency Impatient
Flexible Less Authenticity
Multidimensional Egotistical
Productive Willingness to Sacrifice Quantity
Influential for Quality
Increased Selflessness Lofty
Self-motivated
Goal Oriented
Independent Thinkers
Responsible Risk takers
As reflected in the list above, it is my belief that the networked worker offer more advantages than challenges to an organization. Today's networked workers appear to be wired to tackle complex problems. This is augmented by the internet which has provided networked workers with a different way of looking at the world; therefore its problems. Just the other day, my institution was exploring the concept of incorporating a blended learning lab for students. It was amazing how those leaders around the table viewed the idea of what we once called a library. During the brainstorming session, I as well as others clearly envisioned a digital library. The thought of book shelves never crossed my mind. A grand vision of eReaders and IPads, etc. quickly came to mind. Clearly, I as well as others are influenced by the internet and the role we see it in our lives and the lives of students. Preparing students for a twenty first century work force necessitates exposing students to the work environment confronting the next generation. Of course, a price tag comes with a digital library, but this epitomizes the lofty nature that I and many other networked workers possess. Yet, this challenge can be viewed as a reminder that we must think big.
Thinking big is how most networked workers turn weaknesses and threats into beneficial opportunities. By taking responsible risk, the internet permits the networked worker opportunities to create WIN-WIN situations. At times, leaders are willing to overlook the egotistical behavior that came come with a networked worker. However, it is this egotistical characteristic that pushes a networked worker to solve the difficult problem.
WIN-WIN SCENARIO
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