Do The People You Work With Make These 3 Mistakes?
You know the ones I'm talking about...
Part One
Copyright © 2007 By Chancer Reese
I know you work with someone who is always having computer problems. Around them computers never quite seem to work right or just plain act weird. They have called for technical support over and over again with the same results. Computers just plain act "wonky" around them and they tell you that computers "hate" them.
Now these folks, the ones you work with are bright and hardworking but technology always seems to "mess up" when they are around. Now most computer techs and consultants are not going to tell these folks about these three issues, for various reasons. But hey, this is my website,so I'll tell ya.
They are acting stupid.
They are being lazy.
They are apathetic.
WTF...? Okay, before the hate mail arrives, let me explain.
They're acting stupid.
I have met few truly "stupid" people in my life (and I should know since I worked for two summers in camp for mentally handicapped teens.) What I mean it that most people live their lives in a kind of cocoon of ignorance and denial. Which actually is basic human nature.
You see all of us have a special talent or skill that we are very good at. Now some talents are glamorous while others seem mundane or even boring. But have them we do. And these gifts are our strengths.
We were all taught as kids to avoid mistakes. So we naturally want to cling to our strengths and avoid doing something that makes us feel confused, frustrated or "stupid", i.e. learning computer technology.
So people bury their heads in the sand drifts of ignorance and deny that anything is wrong with their computer skills or knowledge. It must be the "machine". BUZZZ! Wrong answer! It's them, alright. They lack the proper training, technical know-how and a basic understanding of computer technology in general and how it relates to their business. So instead accepting their failings and moving on, they dig a nice big hole and pull it over their heads.
I could have retired already if I had a dollar for every time someone said, "Book? Why should I buy a computer book? I know how to do my job!" Uh-huh? So why are they still struggling with that 100 page document or spreadsheet or that simple little database?
"I don't have the money for...the book, training class, online tutorials, etc." Uh-huh? But they still have money to blow on that $90 pair of pumpkin sling-backs. (Grrl, be real. How many times can anyone wear orange shoes?)
Okay, you don't like to read. Sadly most adults in this country don't. But what is wrong with getting some one-on-one training or taking a night course?
Face it,they're acting stupid...because they just plain don't know (enough). They know what they have to do to do the job, fool the boss, fellow co-workers or clients but when it comes to crunch time, they are getting "whupped" like they stole candy from the store.
They're Being Lazy
Now books, online tutorials and classroom training can be affordable and inexpensive (heard of used books haven't you?). But another reason they are lost and staying that way is because they're being lazy.
It's the same way I'm still fat. I hate to workout and "DIE-T"; it's a pain in the butt. It messes up my schedule of lying flat of my back and I don't want to "think" about what to eat.
Same with these folks. They don't want to get up early and go the community college's Saturday morning computer class (gosh...it's downtown, for pity's sake!). And it costs so much!
But they will drive for 3 hours to see a $100 concert with friends. Dinner and drinks after the concert,$30; speeding ticket on the trip home, priceless!
See what I mean? They won't get off their lazy butts for something that will improve their future earning income (why bother, the boss won't give them a raise. Okay change bosses?) but they will save up for things that are fun.
It's great to have fun. I love to have fun, too. But I learned the hard way: don't let your "fun" mess up your life!
These folks want a big, red "easy" button when it comes to office technology. Why worry? Call the Computer Guy, he will fix it. That's his job.