A dangerous loss of momentum
I talk to a lot of smart people in my job. There are people who are as plugged into technology and its possibilities as I am. These folks explore uses for software, set up servers at home, and plug into every social network they can. These employees find a way to use the Web because that's their background and/or passion. But they don't do it on the job.
I also talk to smart people who are just starting to kick the tires at Wikipedia or set up profiles on Linked In. They're not quite sure if it's for them, but they see their kids trying it or they read things in the Wall Street Journal and want to learn more. They see possibility, but want more assurance and hand-holding. They want to know that the organization supports them in their explorations.
Both types have a willingness to try the Internet on for size. Some just need more encouragement than others.
As an advocate for Web-based collaboration, I feel the worst thing I can possibly tell employees who show an interest is "no". No, the organization isn't ready. No, there isn't a selected standard. No, their project is not a priority. No, we haven't figured out every nuance of our security model. No, we're not sure how to monitor user generated content. The "wall of no" is the death knell to fragile interest and eventual adoption.
What needs to be solved first isn't security or lack of enterprise standards, it's how to capitalize on employee interest. If an organization waits until everything is perfect, there may not be anyone around who wants to use the carefully crafted Web-based solution that's scheduled to make an appearance.
Momentum needs to be maintained...encouraged...nurtured...it's so easily lost.
I also talk to smart people who are just starting to kick the tires at Wikipedia or set up profiles on Linked In. They're not quite sure if it's for them, but they see their kids trying it or they read things in the Wall Street Journal and want to learn more. They see possibility, but want more assurance and hand-holding. They want to know that the organization supports them in their explorations.
Both types have a willingness to try the Internet on for size. Some just need more encouragement than others.
As an advocate for Web-based collaboration, I feel the worst thing I can possibly tell employees who show an interest is "no". No, the organization isn't ready. No, there isn't a selected standard. No, their project is not a priority. No, we haven't figured out every nuance of our security model. No, we're not sure how to monitor user generated content. The "wall of no" is the death knell to fragile interest and eventual adoption.
What needs to be solved first isn't security or lack of enterprise standards, it's how to capitalize on employee interest. If an organization waits until everything is perfect, there may not be anyone around who wants to use the carefully crafted Web-based solution that's scheduled to make an appearance.
Momentum needs to be maintained...encouraged...nurtured...it's so easily lost.
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NaNoWriMo
I couldn't agree with you more. It is truly amazing and a little disheartening to discover how many feel that absolutely everything needs to be in place before moving forward with Web adoption. Don't they see that 99 percent of Web-based communications are "figured out" by participation? It's a process that can only develop through action.
I think what we're talking about here is a shift in thinking. Gone are the days when the glossy papered, perfectly edited, annual report is the trusted voice of the company. The trusted voice is now the employee who networks and who has made an effort to take part in the Web "conversation” all along. That doesn't mean that we, as professionals, shouldn't take the time to really think about and refine marketplace messages. But the sooner folks stop hiding behind the corporate veneer the better. Then we can all just get down to business!
Aren't all pioneers plagued with moonstruck madness to start? Encourage people to enter the fray any way they can... corporate or otherwise... because like rock-and-roll this "madness" is here to stay. You're either on the train, or you're gonna get run over.
You know what else really gets me? That people can't see past the technology of the Web nearly often enough to ask the questions they should ask. Questions like: How do I join this community? How do I tailor my message to the individual? What is the best way to use this communications tool?
We don’t have everything in place is what they say instead. That’s nowhere to start and a flimsy excuse for fear and laziness.