- Increased efficiency: Technology-mediated communication tools can make it easier for people to connect and collaborate, which can lead to increased efficiency. For example, if two coworkers need to share a document, they can simply share it via a file-sharing service instead of having to print it out and physically hand it to each other.
- Improved collaboration: Technology-mediated communication tools can also make it easier for people to collaborate on projects. For example, if a team is working on a presentation, they can use a video conferencing tool to meet and discuss the presentation in real time.
- Access to a wider range of knowledge and expertise: Technology-mediated communication tools can give people access to a wider range of knowledge and expertise. For example, if a worker is trying to solve a problem, they can reach out to a colleague in another department or even a consultant who is located in another country.
However, there are also some challenges associated with using technology-mediated communication tools in the workplace. These challenges include:
- Misunderstandings: It can be easy to misunderstand someone's tone or intent when communicating through technology-mediated tools. For example, a coworker might send an email that is meant to be funny, but the recipient might take it the wrong way.
- Missed cues: Technology-mediated tools can also make it difficult to pick up on social cues. For example, if a coworker is upset, they might not be able to express their emotions as easily through email or text as they could in person.
- Isolation: Technology-mediated communication tools can also lead to isolation. If people are constantly communicating through technology, they may not have as many opportunities to interact with each other in person. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Conscious leadership can help to overcome the challenges of technology-mediated communication in the workplace. Conscious leaders can do this by:
- Creating a culture of clear communication: Conscious leaders can create a culture of clear communication by setting expectations for how people should communicate with each other through technology-mediated tools. For example, a leader might require that all emails be clear and concise, or that all video conferencing calls start with a brief introduction.
- Setting expectations for using technology-mediated tools: Conscious leaders can also set expectations for how people should use technology-mediated tools. For example, a leader might require that employees only use their work email for work-related purposes, or that they only use social media during breaks.
- Providing training on how to use technology-mediated tools effectively: Conscious leaders can provide training on how to use technology-mediated tools effectively. This training can help employees to understand the potential challenges of using these tools and how to overcome them.
By taking these steps, conscious leaders can help to ensure that technology-mediated communication tools are used effectively in the workplace and that they do not have a negative impact on interpersonal dynamics.