Technology Tools During a Black Swan Event
Social Distancing, Coronavirus, Quarantined are all things we have become too familiar with these last couple of weeks. Businesses and schools are closed, hospitals are overburdened, and we are struggling to find a new normal. We are scrubbing our hands, keeping six feet apart in groups of ten or less all in an effort to “flatten” the statistical curve of the virus. We have become a society of hoarders by clearing out grocery shelves of paper towels, cleaning products, toilet paper and the elusive hand sanitizer. People are binge watching movies, old TV shows or obsessively watching the latest news since we are being told to be a couch potato. Someone sneezing in a public place is as frightening as a person with leprosy. To combat our worst fears, the human spirit is discovering creative ways to entertain themselves. Teddy bear hunts are being developed and song parodies are going viral on social media. Although some have extra time on their hands, others need to adapt to their working environment in the confines of their abode. Some even have to juggle the additional chore of homeschooling. But through this confusion, a question occurred to me. While everyone is working from home and if this is our new normal, how can we keep our family bond if we aren’t physically together? At this moment during the Pandemic of 2020, can technology be an effective tool to keep your family productive, connected and informed?
Although Christmas was approximately 100 days ago, it feels like years. That joyous holiday without a peep about COVID-19 is now reminiscent of better times. At that time we casually wished each family member health and happiness for 2020 not knowing what was looming ahead. At our Family Council meeting we formulated our goals looking back from 10 years into the future. Our proudest moments, our biggest accomplishments were written down as we encouraged each other to “move the flag” toward our dreams. Life is short and time flies so we need to stay intentional. But then a Black Swan event occured, a pandemic. Considering there hasn’t been one for almost 100 years, we didn’t account for the derailment. We now need to consider how to keep moving our goals forward not just in the best of times, but in the worst of times. What technology might we use to help with our productivity?
In order to achieve a goal, the first and foremost requirement is to write it down. Currently we have used Microsoft’s Word to document, monitor and track our priorities. We develop them once a year then check on them as a group quarterly at our family council meetings. It was narrowly used to compile the information. Our plan was to develop a different format, but at the time we weren’t focusing on a technology based product rather just a format that was streamlined. The second iteration landed in excel since a table could be used for multiple years. Graphs and charts could be incorporated for analysis purposes such as how many tasks completed, etc. Another product we discovered is “My Goals On Track” which has pre-formulated analysis reports. This product, however, is limiting if working as a team since it only has the ability to track one person’s goals. Our son introduced us to Trello which is an easy to use tool for task and team management. Anasa is an online tool to manage team projects used by companies such as Moen, Airbnb and even Nasa, but is also effective for smaller group projects. We haven’t landed on the best productivity tool yet, primarily because of the nature of current events; we have missed our quarterly Family Council, but trying not to postpone a second one.
Being apart, however, doesn’t mean you cannot stay plugged-in during this age of exploding technology. Skype has been around for years as well as Facetime for live face-to-face conversation. We often would have a virtual dinner with my mother-in-law through Facetime since we were separated by distance as opposed to now we are separated from the elderly for necessity. For meetings, Zoom seems to be the online product of choice, however, there is GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts. In the last few weeks I have frequently used Zoom for meetings, reunion planning and virtual Happy Hour to name a few. Our son is now taking his MBA classes online as every student and teacher is learning to do throughout the world. This prompted the thought of planning our Family Council meeting online instead of postponing or canceling. We can be separated by geography, but we can still connect through technology.
Life can get busy with school, work and other daily obligations so how to we keep each other informed? Currently we have a weekly catch up by phone with each of our children, but like the game “telephone”, things can get lost in conversation. My sisters and I do a group text which monitors life, health and oddly the weather. But other options are available such as family Facebook group where you can share privately more information, pictures and articles to broaden awareness of family members. Please note and I speak from experience, this is not the place to post the death of family member; calling would be more appropriate. Something I just became aware of for larger groups is the GroupMe App. Similar to text messaging, but easy to invite to join. One of the most impressive software that I have seen is by Trusted Family. Their platform gives you all the tools to manage meetings, workflows, sensitive information and communications in one place. It has the feel of Facebook, but with more power and confidentiality. These are just a few ways to keep family informed even after the crisis is over.
Obviously the goal to be productive, connected, and informed is linked by a family bond. Continuing with Family Governance, even in close geography, takes effort, planning and time. But when Black Swan events occur, keeping focus on priorities is key; technology is just the mode. How are you managing your family and governance during this pandemic? Is your virtual flag moving forward?
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