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« Social Network Demographics: Is there a middle ground between email is for old folks, social networking sites are for young people? | Main | What Advice Would You Give to Women in Africa About using Web2.0 Tools to Advance their Work? »

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Danielle

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!

Stacey Monk

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.

Roger Carr

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...

joitske

wondering whether the hyperconnected are more creative/more networking/more outward looking or would that be too much generalizing?

SocialButterfly

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.

Alyssa G

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!

Johanna Bates

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.

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