How can you improve your adaptability to new technology?

The prolific rate of change within the tech landscape makes being intentional about continuous learning a must in order to stay adaptable and marketable. Once you’ve accurately assessed current proficiency levels, addressing gaps is the next step. Take an omnivore’s approach by deliberately exposing yourself to new information streams. Sign up for training courses, webinars and online communities centered around target skill-building areas. Staying continually curious, asking questions and leaning into discomfort are the best ways to sharpen the saw. View upskilling as an investment in expanding what’s possible within your career now and for the future. The effort compounds over time into a posture of adaptability.

It is amazing how many learning opportunities we have nowadays, in multiple formats and many of them for free. As there are so many options, i recommend when deciding what option to choose, to check for references from other people that went though that specific learning, and review the career of the person providing the training, as there are not barriers for offering learning materials and not everybody have the same career experience or same teaching skills.

To improve your adaptability to new technology, some of the ways to seek more learning opportunities are: 1. Webinars from the Project Management Institutes. 2. Conference and exhibition of relevant industries such as the Accounting & Finance Show, Microsoft Ignite, etc. 3. Podcasts such as the Digital Project Manager, Learn to Code with me podcast, etc 4. You can also access learning portals such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy etc.. for understanding of relevant industries.

As a project manager navigating the tech landscape, step 2 is to actively seek learning opportunities. Imagine yourself as an explorer in a digital realm, eager to discover new territories. Attend webinars, enroll in online courses, and participate in workshops to expand your tech toolkit. Just like a project manager fine-tuning their skills, embrace platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera. Dive into real-world examples – maybe explore a new project management software or coding basics. Remember, adaptability is a journey, not a destination, and every learning opportunity is a stepping stone toward mastering the ever-evolving tech landscape.

No technology - and I mean NO technology, should be implemented without understanding and capturing the business process a) as it stands today, and b) how the technology will be used to enhance it. I once was asked to manage a project to implement a document distribution application to address the problem of slow information distribution in an organization. We performed business process modeling before we started implementing the technology. I'm so glad we did as we found that some areas of the business were holding back information, and distributing it in bulk, rather than as each communication came in. If we implemented new technology, and they behaved the same way, the problem would not have been addressed!

Alright, so it's not just about learning the ropes of new technology, but also rolling up your sleeves and giving it a go in your projects. Think of it like getting your hands dirty – experiment, try things out, and see how the tech fits into your daily grind. It's not always smooth sailing, but that's where the real learning happens. So, dive in, practice, and make those tech tools your own. That way, when the next big thing comes along, you're not just ready, you're practically best friends!

Online courses are a great way to experiment with a new tool or technology. Find one that fits your perspective or the task you want to achieve.

Do homework and research the technology, see the pros and cons provided by other users. Seek out training opportunities. Take the initiative to learn about and how to operate the technology as far as you can, without impeding the process.

Or how it is called as well: "Growth mindset", one of the pillars in my company. This attitude is key not just for adopting new technology, if not as a key asset for our whole life.

Always stay eager to learn and make things better. We live in a really fast time, especially with AI technology. If we don't learn to adapt, we'll fall behind, just like we've seen happen to even the biggest and best brands. So, keep an open mind, be curious, and don't be afraid to try new things. This way, you'll get better at whatever you do!

Upskilling technical capabilities is only half the equation when it comes to boosting adaptability. Sharp tools (skills) must be paired with a growth mindset (open & curious) to leverage full value. Approach exposure to unfamiliar tools and digital platforms with a learner’s lens. Suspend snap judgements or assumptions when traversing new territory. Ask questions without embarrassment and fully explore functionality before ruling out relevance. Rather than lament how rapidly technology progresses, adopt a “student for life” mentality. The learning process never stops. Each wave of progress contains lessons and opportunities if we remain receptive.

Talk to your colleagues when they have success. What did they try that was new? What perspective did they bring that you had not considered? Innovation happens in small ways every day, so find out what makes others successful. You will also find out where others are being stifled by a lack of innovation and know to stay away from those workplaces.

Improving adaptability to new technology involves fostering a growth mindset and embracing continuous learning. Stay informed on industry trends, experiment with hands-on practice, and seek feedback from peers and mentors. Enroll in relevant online courses and certifications, utilize learning platforms, and collaborate on projects with colleagues. Attend workshops, conferences, and seek mentorship to gain practical insights.Efficiently manage time, read technical documentation, and reflect on learning experiences to refine your approach. Building a network and staying curious are essential components, ensuring a proactive and successful adaptation to the evolving technological landscape.

I've definitely found it beneficial to reflect on the new tech and software I've adopted into my daily or monthly routine and evaluate their impact. 🤔💻📱 Both to be able to apply that impact to other areas but also make sure what I'm doing is actually beneficial. More often than I care to admit, I will grab a shiny new technology, which ends up causing more problems than helping. 😅

Getting comfortable with new technology means taking small, manageable steps instead of giant leaps. Learning bit by bit helps avoid feeling overwhelmed. Also, with so many new technologies out there, it's essential to focus on the ones that matter most. Choosing what's relevant to your goals or your job helps you learn what's important without getting lost in all the options. Remember: - Learn gradually, step by step, to build confidence. - Focus on the technologies that directly help you or your team. - Keep checking if what you're learning still fits your needs. - Customize learning to suit your role or interests.

In my experience, there is no way now to escape technology and advancement. So rather than shying away, it is very useful for the personnel as well as the organization to proactively look for technological advancements. Be aware of them, assess the organizations current skills, the advantages, the next technology brings, and assess how the gaps can be filled

Stay curious and explore new technologies regularly. Hands-on practice is key, so dive in and experiment with different tools. Seek guidance when needed, stay updated on trends, and apply what you learn in practical settings.

Find the people who are first adopters of technology and use them as a gateway. They typically love to explain what they are doing so buy them a coffee and absorb what they have to offer.

-Break Down Complex Concepts: Break down complex technological concepts into smaller, more manageable components. Focus on understanding fundamental principles before delving into advanced topics. -Utilize Resources and Tools: Take advantage of online resources, documentation, forums, and user communities specific to the technology you're learning. These resources can provide valuable guidance and troubleshooting assistance. -Apply Learning in Real-world Scenarios: Look for opportunities to apply your newly acquired technological skills in real-world scenarios, whether it's through work projects, personal hobbies, or volunteering opportunities.