Huh? OK, I’ll explain the weird title. Last week I posted a video in which I talk about how communication technology can get in the way of communication. Lest you think I am against technology, let me assure you that’s not the case. I love today’s technology, and I believe we need to be in charge of it, instead of the other way round.

Today I’m giving you the link to a very interesting article that discusses an experiment done by a group of scientists who wanted to study the effect of all that information coming at us from all directions, all the time. Their findings are thought provoking. One of their conclusions is that not all technology is of equal value to us, and some is more damaging than beneficial. Thus, as the article says, some technology is Twinkies and some is Brussels sprouts! Intrigued? Here’s the link:

Minnesota Public Radio

I don’t know how long it will be there, so if you’d like to read it I suggest you have a look at it soon. As always, of course, I’d value your comments here on Communi-keys.

Here’s a short video I put up on YouTube about just one way we misuse communication technology to the detriment of communication.

If you are already familiar with my MHW Communications website, do visit again because it’s just been completely revamped. It has a brand new look, several videos and I believe gives a better picture of my business as it is today. Surf on over there now!

If you’ve never visited my MHW Communications website, you won’t know that there is a selection of my articles there on various aspects of communication at work. For example, here are just a few of the titles:

Are You in Breach of the Communication Contract?
Communicate and Prosper (originally published in The Globe and Mail)
Leadership and Communication: the Broken Connection
Don’t Squander Your Presentation Opportunity
Encouraging the Conversation

I’ll be putting more articles on the site, so if you liked these I encourage you to check back often.

Last week I told you about my interview with Tom Cox on Tom on Leadership. If you didn’t catch it, but would still like to listen, click on the link below to listen to the recording.

Guidance for the Newly Promoted

If you are a recently promoted manager, or if you work with one, you’ll get some useful insights from both Tom and me on how to use the first 30 days to get you off to a good start. Please tell any of your friends or colleagues who could benefit from this information.

I’d love to hear what you thought of the interview, and your comments on what I had to say.

Have you just been promoted, just promoted someone or know someone who’s just been promoted? If so, I encourage you to visit
Tom On Leadership and listen to me being interviewed by Tom Cox tomorrow, Friday, at 3 p.m. EDT.

Tom and I will be talking about how to handle the first thirty days after your promotion — current Travelers on The Manager’s Journey will recognize some of the ideas and techniques I’ll be offering.

Those first thirty days can be a challenge, because you’re trying to get used to the idea of being a manager, learn the specifics of this particular management position and at the same time put out fires and deal with the daily functions of your new job. It’s tough, no question about that. But I have some ideas to help you, so do listen tomorrow if you can, and feel free to use the comments section for this post to give me your feedback on the show.