May was another month that lasted about four years, it seemed. But I can also say that some good things happened. Aptica had sent everyone in our office to work from home, as was advised, but about the middle of the month we were able to reopen our common workspace. What have we learned so far? I will tell you it was heartwarming to have our crew back together in the office.
What You Can’t Know Until You Try
I like to think I’m a guy who is open to change, especially since “change” is one of the basics of my Information Technology business. We know all about watching from hour to hour to see what has just changed in technology—otherwise, our clients could be vulnerable to attack or could lose ground in their industries. I embraced everyone working from home and I believed it would prove to be a lasting structural adjustment in our historically 9 to 5 corporate world.
What I Have Learned So Far
Perhaps I expected too much. In my determination to make lemonade, I think I lost sight of the power of presence. When I got the band back together, so to speak, I saw first-hand how the beautiful music we make depends on our energy together and on our interactions. We ping off each other. Our business is problem-solving, and I was immediately reminded that “many hands make lighter work”, and that our collective skills and knowledge complement each worker, no matter what the task.
Sure we have office politics, and of course, there are times when we deal with personal-life-overspill, but I did not realize that so much of our successful whizbang germinates from us tackling our challenges together.
Once Again, I Am Reminded . . .
The middle ground might be the most effective. Our extreme times recently have generated some extreme measures suggested to stay afloat. I have repeatedly advised that business owners would do well to focus on their day-to-day methodology rather than to get overwhelmed by an uncontrollable big picture. For me, I did what was recommended to keep the coronavirus contained, and from that experience, I learned that my business model for IT support–is a team sport. I can have a spotter up in the booth. I can have a scout out on the road. But to score and to win, I need my crew working together on the ground. I’m glad I know that. And for those staff members who support Aptica remotely, we will continue to see to it that you have the safest and most effective connections to the business.
If you need to make some adjustments with your in-office and remote workers, give us a call at Aptica. We have learned some things through our own experiences.
Jason Newburg, 260.243.5100, ext 2101, is the founder and owner of Aptica LLC. This IT management and support company has been serving small to medium-sized businesses for 19 years in the region that includes Angola, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, IN, Battle Creek, MI, and Toledo OH.