Changing Technology and Government Organizations
Today’s changing global environment impacts
how leaders approach influencing their subordinates and development of the
future workforce. The rise of an interconnected workplace and economic
environment is shaping how employees approach their education and communication
skills. Schawbel highlights how employees view professional
certifications in higher standing than traditional degrees. This is causing an
increase in new credentialing schools and employees seeking ways to seek
additional compensation for post-nominals by their name. Just over the past ten
years, I’ve noticed many individuals are now adding PMP, PHR, LSS GB, PE, CFC,
MCSE, and other paid-for certifications as part of their email and signature
blocks.
Another aspect of modern technology is how we
connect. Husband’s concept of wirearchy helps to explain the transition from a
hierarchical command and control concept of power to a more socially connected
leadership structure centered on trust and increased social status influence
networks. I’ve noticed how the military structure still maintains a very formal
command and control structure, while there is a rise in social network
platforms for subordinates exchanging ideas. These social media blogs or forums
such as 3x5 leadership (https://3x5leadership.com/) or
From the Green notebook (https://fromthegreennotebook.com/) highlight
practical examples of networks allowing the championing of ideas. These networks
have also forced senior military leaders to reach out to founders of the blogs
and bring them in as guest speakers at professional military forums.
However, as I view the concepts of filtering, remixing, and interacting discussed by Kelley, I find myself struggling with the debate of how far do we refine data. Often the filters we use to decipher information can also limit our potential sources of knowledge. One of my fears when I hear how we filter data, is the concern we maybe limiting data points that could actually assist in defining a solution or future opportunity. Often in my dealing with analysts studying a country or problem set, I’ve witnessed extremely intelligent individuals filter their information to the point that they miss a broader concern or help reinforce a preconceived notion.
There are many strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats in today’s hyperconnected world. Strengths
include increased access to virtual experts, flattened communications, and
depths of virtual data libraries. Weaknesses encompass loss of
centralized control, reliance on technology infrastructure, and limited
physical human connection. Opportunities in the government work
force include increased virtual training with partners and allies, ability to
assess talent across the workplace, and rapid situational awareness. However,
we face threats in cybersecurity, increased risk of identity threat, and a rise
of disinformation and propaganda. As we review the current environment, we must
embrace the future of technology while applying logic to its integration in the
workforce.
Your observation on certifications resonates with my own experience. For most of my career, one designation stood out in the two firms where I worked (CPA). In a more wholistic consulting firm, there are many, especially in the IT space. Seemingly an endless supply of letters and commas to put after one's name in correspondence.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, I think that technology has enabled that dynamic due to the proliferation of online courses and the ability to take the exams at virtually any time (versus, say the CPA exam of yesteryear which was given only twice a year, and not online). The proliferation of social media may also be an incentive - a new certification is something about which one can post (at least on LinkedIn, and possibly elsewhere).
Valid points on the ability to test more often due to technology. Social media and forums such as LinkedIn are allowing the opportunity for individuals to separate themselves from other job candidates.
DeleteI wonder if there is a relationship between credential escalation and the need for credible data filtering and sense-making. We are all awash in information. When I am hiring, a candidate's credentials suggest they are adept with the information associated with the role and domain. Credentials are not a guarantee of competence, but I hope the MCSE will be better able to make sense of the Microsoft solutions for me.
ReplyDeleteJoe- it may serve as a way for individuals to highlight certain skill sets. Concur that credentials may not be a sign of competence, but it allows employers a starting point.
DeleteSome Masters programs are looking at moving from fixed 3-credit courses to a menu of one-credit courses, which can start at any time rather than fixed to semesters. It plays to individualization, but in some ways separates people from others with alternative viewpoints that tend to rise in more traditional courses. There is no question that higher education is in a transition period right now.
DeleteHello Red Knight,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the forums you mention (From the Green Notebook) as I am following The Officers Club and I have always been a huge fan of Doctrine Man. Is there a reason you mention paid for certifications? Degrees are paid for as well, so I'm not sure I see that there would be a difference in that sense. Do you think that we will get to a point that every career field will have some sort of certification attached? I wonder about the offering of certifications and titles to all careers as a focus on continual growth. In relating my own personal history, I thought I had it made when I earned my bachelors degree. I was the first to go to college therefore I did not understand the difference between a bachelors degree and a doctorate. However, now that I am here and I understand that successful completion of this program will result in a terminal degree, I know that it is by no means the end of my learning journey.
Your telling of the intelligent people that miss the overall concept, the forest because of the trees, is interesting. Do you think that wirearchy and connect with people will help fix that?
On paid for certifications, some appear to be ways to exploit employees on the promise of better pay and promotion potential. In comparison to higher education, there is oversight from regional accrediting agencies to ensure a standard. With some accreditation agencies, it is a few individuals advocating for a group of professionals who may not be representative of the entire community.
DeleteWirearchy may assit in defining difficult situations, but it may also lead to a paralysis due to an overload of information.
One other point to go along with the rise in certification is that maybe this idea connects with the reading from this week about the importance and rise of life-long learning. If people are learning constantly through adulthood, it makes sense there would be more people with evidence that they are continuing their education in one way or the other.
DeleteIt is really difficult to think about a government structure that isn’t highly centralized. What government doesn’t want more control? This sentiment also seems to ring generally true in the corporate world, especially as the size and net worth of the company increases you would generally see more control and more hierarchy. As you note, with the advancements we have made in technology there has been a growing trend of implementing said technology into leadership decision making as well as creating more opportunities for operating with increasingly interconnected methods. With all the threats you mention it would be difficult to navigate these waters as we move forward, with technology increasing at the rate it is we have seen bigger opportunities for ill intent.
ReplyDelete