The Future Is Now

Looking back over the past decade, I've witnessed a remarkable evolution in the way business meetings are conducted. Around 10 to 15 years ago, I vividly recall assisting clients in developing strategic plans in expansive conference rooms. These spaces were adorned with scattered papers, Post-it notes clinging to the walls, and an array of office supplies sprawled across the table.

As the day progressed, the remnants of our caffeine-fueled discussions would accumulate, leaving behind a chaotic scene of empty coffee cups, soda cans, and sandwich wrappers amidst the stationery. It was our duty to gather the scattered notepads and yellow stickies, preparing summaries for the next day's sessions.

However, since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, the landscape of meetings has undergone a radical transformation. Zoom calls have become the new norm, replacing physical gatherings. Traditional tools have given way to electronic counterparts, as paper and post-it notes have become relics of the past.

While the shift towards remote work and electronic whiteboards like Miro has been embraced by millennials and Gen Y/Z workers, some older executives find it challenging to adapt. Zoom calls are met with resistance, particularly among those in the 50-65 age range. Nevertheless, the younger generation sees the benefits of modern electronic tools and recognizes their potential to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

As the business world continues to evolve, bridging the generation gap in embracing these advancements will be essential for maintaining competitiveness and efficiency.

In fact, at first, many clients were skeptical about online meetings, especially those who were used to face-to-face interactions. But as time went on, they appreciated the convenience and efficiency of virtual meetings. They no longer had to travel long distances to attend meetings and could save time and money by participating in their own offices.

And the Gen Z and Gen Y mid-level executives love it and see that as the future. 

Moreover, electronic tools like Miro have revolutionized the way we plan and strategize. With Miro, users can collaborate and share ideas in real-time, creating an interactive and dynamic experience. Instead of writing on a whiteboard or post-it notes, they can now create digital whiteboards and work together to develop plans, assign tasks and set milestones.

Another trend that has emerged is remote work. More and more companies are embracing this concept, and electronic tools are making it easier than ever to work from anywhere in the world. With cloud-based platforms like Google Drive, employees can collaborate on documents and projects from anywhere, using any device.

However, with these changes come challenges. As a consultant, I have seen companies struggle to adapt to the new virtual environment. They need to ensure that their employees have the right technology and training to work effectively in this new world. They also need to develop new policies and procedures to ensure that their teams stay connected and productive.

The future is now for businesses, and change is constant. As a consultant, it's my job to help companies navigate these changes and stay ahead of the competition. By embracing electronic tools and remote work, they can create a more efficient and effective workplace that meets the needs of their employees and customers.

Jesus (Jes) Vargas is the Principal at DPMG Corp in Sacramento, CA. Jes and his team consult, coach and mentor business leaders in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development and project management. 

They’re ready to help clients plan a new product or fine-tune an existing marketing strategy. 

Or help your company bridge any generation gaps among executives.

If you are concerned about the culture in your company, Jes can help you create a new one or improve the one you have. Call Jes at 916 712 6145. Or you can email him here.