Tech trends —> org changes
Media stories around “tech trends” and “year-ahead forecasts” make me tired.
Not just because they are the studded spokes of The Tech Hype Machine®…
But because they mean more work.
More work in the form of a rush to implement new security requirements. Or being asked by management, “can we automate that?” Or sudden requests to put AI on all the things.
Changing expectations in the market — from customers, from competitors, from economic conditions — will exert pressure on your company.
In an effort to insulate the organization, you’ll be asked to make changes.
Those changes will likely break your workflow.
So easy to forget that even small changes disrupt our workflows
Just waiting and fretting nervously about what Decision Makers Might Decide can make us feel helpless. What can you do instead?
In Chapter 1 of Surviving Change at Work, I walk through how big changes can open up big opportunities.
Try spending an afternoon doing your own analysis on how tech trends might affect your company, and your team specifically.
This puts you in a generative, creative space (and is a great way to channel any nervous energy that comes up).
Let’s take an example: here’s Gartner’s 2024 Tech Trends Report.
As you scan Gartner’s analysis, a few questions to ask yourself:
How will an emphasis on security affect our project timelines? Staffing? Product design?
What are some painful inefficiencies in our workflow? What needs solving right now?
Am I excited about new technological developments? What scares me?
What are a few new applications of our product that could address these trends?
Do any of these trends provide an opportunity to do more of the work I want to be doing?
When these topics come up — in meetings, email threads, or when your manager shares links on Slack — you’ll be in a prime space to offer your thoughts, and propose a way forward. Changes open up options; options are power.
For those of you in the queer community…
If you’ve read Surviving Change at Work, or you’ve been curious about it, the book is this month’s Out In Tech Book Club pick.
On January 28th — a week from today — I’ll be giving an author talk (free, over Zoom, get your spot here) and audience members can get advice on their specific challenges around change at work.
P.S. I’d also love to hear from you about the biggest change you’re already experiencing at work. Is it a leadership change? New product direction? Lingering effects from a reduction in force? Hit me up at vanessa@fortuna.ink and let me know.