NETWORKED WORKERS & SWOT

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.

THE NETWORKED WORKER

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

Case in point, when the financial price tag accompanying a digital library seemed insurmountable to a member of our team, this was met by the task to acquire outside funding through grant writing and sponsorship.  In other terms, I and many of the other networked workers saw the end before the beginning.  This new way of thinking is how the networked worker turns a negative into a positive. Coincidental, this skill set is why many leaders are willing to take those personal traits often conceived as challenges, because these challenges transform new ideas.