Most likely, only my Cambodian blogger friends like Lux Mean will understand the reference. So, let me explain. Dop Pram Moi is how you say sixteen in Khmer. The song, "I'm Sixteen" was made popular by the band Dengue Fever
According to a 16-page Nortel Whitepaper, "16% of people are 'hyper connected' [and] that 16% is expected to balloon to over 40% in the coming years." Such people "use many more devices, channels, and tools then 'regular' people" and "they are generally always on, always connected and see this as a good thing." (hat tip Stephen Downes)
Claire Fisher of the Remote Access Blog points out:
The hyper connected have a few traits:
- The boundary between work ad personal time is virtually non - existent.
- They use many more devices, channels, and tools then "regular" people.
- Hyper connectivity among employees has the potential to increase security risks due to lost hardware, software, internet transfer of files, etc.
- They are generally early adopters of new technologies and consider themselves to be global people.
- Only 1/3 of hyper connected people see themselves as early adopters
- They are generally always on, always connected and see this as a good thing.
There more at the hyper connectivity blog.
I have to ask, what, if anything, does this mean for nonprofits? Will this become something listed in a job description? How will we balance personal productivity with social productivity?
Such thought-provoking questions!
This issue is something I personally face a lot because I believe in NWF's cause. Since I was advocating for the environment long before I started working for the National Wildlife Federation, I find that I consider it very much a part of who I am. So I bring, what to some may be considered, "work" home. But the thing is, I've made the decision to be very connected online and when the time comes for my profile to not combine personal and work so much, I feel I can easily distinguish and start fresh. For now though, I'm happy with the conversations I'm allowed to have because of how available I am online. I've made irreplaceable contacts and I've grown professionally in doing so. So yes, I'd like to work a few hours less, but I feel like it's my decision and most of the time it doesn't feel like "work" at all!
Posted by: Danielle | June 20, 2008 at 12:39 PM
An excellent question. I'm probably borderline ;) Maybe in the 17th or 18th percentile.
To me, the most profound effect of my "hyperconnectedness" is the fact that my strategy is much more organic that it was before we "plugged in." This is great - because it's much more informed by more (very smart!) people, but also challenging because it requires significant adaptability. Our plan is informed daily (if not hourly or more frequently) by the input and feedback of our supporters, donors and peers. Sometimes it's informed from an expert whom I'd not otherwise have met, half the world away, in the wee hours of the morning.
Of course, even offline strategies are constantly evolving, but not at the speed of Twitter ;) It requires a delicate balance of leadership, listening, flexibility and agility. I like to think we're working toward that balance.
Posted by: Stacey Monk | June 20, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Since I consider myself a "regular" person, I must not be one of the hyper-connected. I think I will let others know this from my PC, Blackberry, and laptop by posting the message to Twitter, Facebook, mySpace, Squidoo. Razoo, Flickr, YouTube, Ning, LinkedIn, Digg, StumbleUpon, my blogs...
Posted by: Roger Carr | June 20, 2008 at 06:38 PM
wondering whether the hyperconnected are more creative/more networking/more outward looking or would that be too much generalizing?
Posted by: joitske | June 21, 2008 at 08:51 AM
hmm, very interesting. Curious if organizations/employers would see hyperconnected as a good trait or a bad trait....it'll be interesting to see how it progresses. I could see how for certain jobs it could be a really good trait, but how for others, it might be a hindrance to productivity.
Posted by: SocialButterfly | June 21, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I think I have a different perspective on this because I just graduated in May and started my first non-profit job a few weeks ago. I've found, so far, that even if I do bring my work home with me, it's a very similar situation to Danielle's - I believe so much in the cause (I work at a women's history museum) that it doesn't feel like work!
The organization I work for seems to appreciate hyperconnectivity - my boss and I were just having a conversation about the need for Blackberries a few days ago. I think I will be one of the 16% (or however much it grows) eventually, but to reach all of our audiences as a non-profit, it's almost a necessity. Add to that the fact that many non-profits are just now catching up to social media - I could work 24 hours a day for the next few years and barely keep up!
Posted by: Alyssa G | June 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM
The recent talk about hyperconnectivity, and even email, causing a loss of productivity makes me think about my mantra. "It's not about the tools." If you spend 18 hours a day on the telephone talking about nothing, would you blame the technology? I doubt it. Every person has a sweet spot of productivity. For some, that's disconnection and focus. For some, that's hyperconnectivity. And everything in between.
I have found that--especially as a working parent, who's emotionally invested in my org's work--blurring the lines between personal and professional productivity can often work in my favor. I get more done. I accomplish my goals. The flexibility helps me stay connected, build my network, and even understand best when I need to "turn off" to just be with my family, and when I need to close my office door and totally focus on one work task.
I think what people should be asking is, "How do I do my best work?" and orgs should provide some flexibility to allow for people to find their own sweet spot. Mandating that everyone has a Blackberry or that nobody can use Twitter might just be shooting half your workers in the foot.
Posted by: Johanna Bates | June 23, 2008 at 09:03 AM