Technology in 1969

So I was thinking about 1969 today.  No, not really remembering 1969, but just thinking about it, I am not that old.

Why? Well after having yet another discussion on the topic of 'Who owns Enterprise 2.0, IT, HR, or the business?', I started to question why the HR community in particular seems so fixated on this debate.

Could it be simply another effort by HR to gain the elusive 'seat at the table', is it simply a priority of 'social media experts' to define a new market for their services, or perhaps it truly is an important and impactful debate that will have lasting effects on the future of HR and it's role in the enterprise?

For the record, I do think that whatever 'Enterprise 2.0' means, it is critical that HR be one of, if not the sole, driving force behind the selection and deployment of new tools and technologies meant to derive the most value out of the enterprise's human capital. 

And it could be that I am simply getting frustrated with the down economy, the seeming lack of meaningful progress of HR Technology in many organizations, and the overall inability of HR to lead in this area.

In 1969, 40 years ago, man landed on the Moon, the ARPANET was developed, the Concorde was test flown, and the Boeing 747 was put in service.

Forty years ago, almost everything seemed possible.  Forty years later far too many people are wasting their talents pushing paper around, manually typing information into un-integrated systems, and arguing over who 'owns' some new technology that may or may not ever be used.

In 1969 we were celebrating this:

In 2009, at least in HR Technology we can and should be doing better.  I will try my best, from my tiny pedestal to make a difference, to be a better resource, and more of a facilitator for my students and my friends in the use of technology for a better organization, work environment, and life.

We can, and should be doing better.

Comments

[Lisa Rosendahl]

Hey Steve, I am that old (ouch!) and from my tiny little pedestal in my piece of the world, will do the very same too!

[Steve]

Thanks Lisa for the comments. I know we can do better and will really make it a priority to help, educate, and otherwise enable folks to get more out of their organizations.
Thanks again for reading and commenting.

[chanel]

Today I find myself doing just that, obsessing over a Chanel handbag that I will 99% certainly never own. The black chanel features a flap CC closure and interlaced chain. The color is dreamy of this matte alligator skin and this Chanel Watches truly is timeless.