Foundational Things is built on three core themes: Communication, Empathy, and Curiosity.
These “Things” form a solid foundation for working well with others and for navigating technology. They’re also transferrable into many areas of our lives.
So… Why does this “foundation” matter?
This foundation matters because your experiences matter! What you experience with technology and through working with others matters! A solid foundation sets us up for success.
I don’t think we should resign ourselves to settle for mediocre and poor experiences. It’s time to take control and set a new course, one step at a time.
Who am I?
My name is Donna Harris and I’ve been around technology – and people – all of my life.
I have:
- been immersed in undergraduate and graduate studies in computer science
- taught post-secondary students about software and quality
- worked in software development alongside some of the most brilliant colleagues I could ever imagine
- been a translator and mediator for folk who are less comfortable or less experienced with technology
The past also includes several tremendously frustrating and even painful experiences. I am blessed with an almost unbelievable network of family and friends of all ages and walks of life.
One of the common themes I hear over and over from them is how frustrating and even intimidating technology can be.
People… You can’t live with ’em, You can’t live without ’em
Another common theme is how frustrated people get with other people, which often is intensified when technology is involved. And, honestly, these days when isn’t technology involved? (Not very often!)
Over the years, I’ve noticed a few things:
You’d be hard-pressed to find somebody who is a tech expert in every way.
Lots of people are uncomfortable with technology and technical things. This includes people with technical education, careers, and hobbies. There’s also way too much knowledge to learn about technology for any one person to know everything.
There are a lot of reasons for this, but the key point here is that everybody gets frustrated with technology and everybody has more to learn.
It really is OK to not know everything. But it is important to be curious – and to learn how to learn.
Sometimes we know where our gaps in knowledge or experience are, but none of us knows what we don’t know! Staying open to new thoughts and ideas is so important to our growth.
Curiosity, and learning how to learn better, are skills that can be developed and everybody can benefit.
Asking questions is necessary for success and asking the right questions is even better.
Asking questions is an essential aspect of all three core themes. It is not something to be afraid of! When we ask the right questions at the right times, we unlock new information and open up new doors.
Technical things and situations can be notorious for lacking humanity – but they need it desperately. In fact, we all do!
Whether you’re working in software development or just trying to get your laptop or phone to work, you already know that patience and compassion can go a long way.
Even though so much of the technology that exists is meant to improve our lives in some way, why does often feel as though so many things aren’t designed with humans in mind?!
So, now what?
As much as I wish I had all of the solutions, I know that I don’t. But, I feel like I might have some of the solutions for some people. Hopefully, a lot of people. Even a lot of little solutions will add up over time.
I’ve often found myself standing in the gap between people or ideas, helping to mediate or translate between two parties. I’m eager to transfer that same kind of experience and positioning into this digital platform and do something I truly love – teaching and helping people.
We all have questions to ask and stories to tell. I would be honoured to join you on your journey.