Tag: technology

Technology Makes It Easier?

I don’t think it is much of a secret to say that technology makes our lives easier. Cars, phones, computers and toilets are all innovations that have successfully transformed our lives for the better, and worse. Well, maybe not toilets. I’m pretty sure they have changed our lives just for the better.

People can argue both sides that they advances in technology have benefited our ability to connect with others as well as hindered our abilities to connect with others. As someone who has known nothing other than email, texting, instant messenger, I wonder whether we have it easier than generations before.

Do long distance relationships actually work better now with technology or does this new technology give reason for it not to work out?

Yes, relationships are easier to maintain with modern technology
Skype, Whatsapp, iMessage, and Facebook all help one maintain a relationship no matter where in the world you are. As long as you have connection to the internet it is nearly impossible not to stay connected to anyone, anywhere. Other than watching the time different, conversations can be held through typed messages or video chats in real-time. Couples can share photos, videos, music and more with a tap of the finger.

Relationships are about communication, and with these new ways to stay in communication couples can maintain their relationship just as they normally would. Schedule “Skype dates” bring couples face to face over video chat and free messaging apps help them stay in contact 24/7. Even though they may not be in the same place at the same time, this technology keeps them connected always.


No, relationships are just as hard to maintain with modern technology
Modern technology can actually create higher expectations for couples when they are dealing with a long distant relationship. Knowing that there is no excuse for them not to stay in constant communication can put stress on both sides. There may be this belief that they need to be in constant communication and when one side or both sides aren’t doing their part, it can lead to heightened concern, or suspicions.

During previous wars when men and women would go to fight abroad they would have to wait for their next letter to come. So many factors contributed to this lack of communication that there was no certainty as to the cause. Each side did their best but when communication was non-existent, neither side was necessarily to blame.

I’m not too sure which is the right answer. I guess it depends from one relationship to another.

Book Review: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

“You are the promise for a more equal world. So my hope for everyone here is that after you walk across this stage, after you get your diploma, after you go out tonight and celebrate hard — you then will lean way in to your career.” — Sheryl Sandberg’s commencement address at Barnard College in 2011. 
As a woman that is just about to enter an industry traditionally run by men, I was absolutely inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. Her insight into the world of business, government, and technology told the story of how women must take the initiative to change their fate within their industry. As much as nature and society dictates how we behave, women must identify their short comings and make changes. Each chapter highlighted different issues that woman face from finding a mentor to balancing work and family. Her writing style was comforting as she wrote like she was having a conversation rather than dictating information at your. I enjoyed her short antidotes that introduced each concept really well. I did find that the book did have moments of repetition, and it could have been a chapter or two shorter. Additionally, I can see how some may argue that she makes women out to be weak employees that are victims to men or society. But then many of her thoughts were supported by facts and data that proved that women are set back. 
http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/18uDutylDa4&source=uds

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders TedTalk

I believe this book is great for young women who are entering the work force as well as those already in it. As I read the book it appealed to my ambitions to some day become a top executive and my desire to get married and have a family. It’s great to know that 1) I’m not the only person that worries about “having it all” and 2) that it’s not impossible to achieve what you want in life. Woman have made so much progress already to break through but we need more woman to be as strong and willing to take the risk. I am grateful for the progress that has been made and feel even more motivated to assist with this progress as I enter the workforce next year. 

Finally, not only does she point out the issues that face women in the workplace but gracefully offers solutions for these short-comings. She provides person examples as well as psychological suggestions that offer ways to overcome these setbacks. The book includes how to negotiate, how to deal with criticism, how to be a better leader, and improve leadership skills. 
Some of my favorite quotes: 
“When I don’t feel confident, one tactic I’ve learned is that it sometimes helps to fake it.”
“It is hard to visualize someone as a leader if she is always waiting to be told what to do.”
“At a certain point it’s your ability to learn quickly and contribute quickly that matters.”
“There is no perfect fit when you’re looking for the next big thing to do. You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around. The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”
“When you want to change things, you can’t please everyone. If you do please everyone, you aren’t making enough progress.”
“On a ladder, most climbers are stuck staring at the butt of the person above.”
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” — Alice Walker
“Asking for input is not a sign of weakness but often the first step to finding a path forward”
“The ability to listen is as important as the ability to speak.”
“Feedback is an opinion, grounded in observations and experiences, which allows us to know what impression we make on others.”
“Recognizing the role emotions play and being willing to discuss them makes us better managers, partners and peers.”