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There’s been a lot of uproar the past few weeks about work. Who’s doing it, how many people are doing it, and where they’re doing it. Much of this was provoked by Marissa Mayer’s pronouncement revoking working at home for most Yahoos. But it’s more than that.
I’ll start by saying that I disagree with Ms. Mayer’s decision. I think it was too broad an approach to whatever she believes is preventing Yahoo from resuming its previous position in the cyberworld. I’m sure some Yahoos were abusing the privilege, but I believe that many more were producing the calibre of work they were because of the flexibility policy in place.
Today, work is no longer where you go but what you do. To be successful in today’s global economy, or in your local economy, you have to produce results. And it goes beyond the workplace. Take a look at the revolution at universities. The explosion of MOOC’s, and their acceptance in academia, shows that it’s less and less about where you learn and more important what you learn. As Thomas Friedman pointed out in a recent column in the NY Times, colleges must move from a model of “time served” to one of “stuff learned.” Here’s the link. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/06/opinion/friedman-the-professors-big-stage.html?_r=0
Knowledge is a fluid commodity. You don’t need to know everything because there’s Google or your preferred search engine. Of course Google is so ubiquitous there’s even a site http://lmgtfy.com, which stands for Let Me Google That For You.
You no longer need to know everything. You just have to be able to get the work done. The idea that everyone needs to be in one place to achieve extraordinary results is passé. There are times when it’s of value, but ignoring the realities of time zones, biorhythms, and work habits will move an organization precariously close to the precipice of oblivion. That’s just not how work will get done. And that’s the bottom line.
Hi Ron,
I agree with what you say. I will add that it depends on the person and the job that needs to be done. I will liken it to working out a home or in a gym. Personally, I like the energy I get from being around others who are working hard, the environment at a gym motivates me. I feel the same at work, depending on the energy in the work environment. Do I think a broad stroke approach is correct. No. But as with many good things, a few who take advantage can ruin it for all.
Judy,
I agree. The most important takeaway may be, when it comes to managing people, one size does not fit all. Managers need to manage in the style that their people need, not necessarily the style that they prefer.
Thanks for your comment.
Only the best,
Ron