Posted February 23,2001 StudentAffairs Online, 2 (Winter)
The rising use of technology among college students can challengeleaders to accomplish their goals. The following "ten thoughts",which address some of these challenges, were originally presented toa group of undergraduate student leaders. They generated someinteresting discussion.
Leaders provide order in chaos, but... Technology is always changing
A good leader is knowledgeable of the positive AND negative aspects of technology, and tolerates the ambiguity that is inherent in it. For example, a chatroom can bring students together from many campuses but can also serve as a means for some students to isolate themselves from others.
Leaders set effective goals, but... Technology's future is unclear.
A good strategy is to determine goals first, use technology second. Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. Occasionally, the choice to "go high tech" seems like a good idea at the time, but later, seems less so, especially since technology is not always cheap.
Leaders utilize others' competencies, but.... Technology has challenged us to develop new competencies and reevaluate old ones.
An organization usually has many leadership positions. In light of emerging technology, it may be time to create some new ones, such as IT specialist, group web-manager, etc. Not only will such a strategy improve the functioning of the group or organization, it can pull-in other types of students, who have not been seen as leaders traditionally.
Leaders are experts in communication, but... Technology both limits and enhances communication
When a choice is available, always go the personal route. Why set-up a chatroom if all the involved students are local? A leader should weigh the pros and cons of these types of asynchronous conversations, and remember that developing interpersonal skills is a normal task for college students. On the hand, leaders should take advantage of technology that enhances communication, such as listservs, which can reach hundreds of students in an instance.
Leaders get and give effective feedback, but... Technology allows leaders to hide behind a screen.
You can't be a leader if you are in front of your computer screen instead of your members. Get away from your computer, or get a laptop. Besides leading by example, you may purposefully want to find ways to get between your members and their computer screens.
Leaders motivate others to get involved, but... Technology competes for students' attention.
Programs and events must be clear on their value-added component. Its probably fair to say that many students "don't know what they are missing" and it is incumbent on leaders to show them. Serving your membership may require more needs assessment and a rethinking of the organization's goals, however. You should begin asking yourself "how is coming to this program or activity better than sitting in a room and playing Quake?"
Leaders are good time managers, but... Using technology is a new learning task that dominates our time.
For now, allow MORE time for the technological solutions to common problems. A good rule-of-thumb is "twice as much as you'd think". Some technologies have steep learning curves and demand ongoing attention (e.g., an interactive website). An exchange of 10 email messages may solve a problem that would have taken just a few minutes on the phone. On the other hand, the Internet is 24/7/365 and provides the opportunity to accomplish tasks outside of the 8 to 5 work schedule.
Leaders work toward integration, but... Technology allows for participation across the planet, but what is lost and what is gained?
Don't confuse sharing information with using it. Besides the work involved in it, does your organization really need a web presence to function? The Internet is becoming "littered" with untended websites, countless dead links and many sites designed specifically to misinform. Conversely, the Internet's ability to link your group with similar ones is a wonderful thing, especially if your group has some very focused goals for a rather small student group. It is important to remember that the Internet is a public place, and you should never assume that something is secure (especially e-mail).
Leaders should be the moral compass for groups, but... Technology has blurred some distinctions between what's right and wrong.
Many institutions have been caught in the discourse about websites such as Napster. Some people seem to want to have two sets of rules, one for the cold reality of the analog world and another for the magical digital world. It may take many years to establish an equilibrium. In the meantime, be clear and consistent about expectations, after you've given full consideration to the implications. Choose your battles, but be prepared to say "let's wait and see".
Leaders appreciate differences, but... Technology threatens to marginalize others
As for any program goal, a leader should always ask "who gets excluded by this approach?" There is a misperception among many students that technology is naturally bias-free: "no one knows who you are in cyberspace". The research suggests otherwise. Furthermore, individuals from some backgrounds do not "buy into" or choose to participate in the emerging technology culture, as should be their choice. Be careful when a technological solution becomes the only solution.
Author's Note: These ten descriptors of leadership were adaptedfrom a handout that I acquired many years ago. I have since lost theoriginal resource and must apologize the its author.