Funny post by Roger Matus of Inboxer on an article in the UK’s Times Online about how sending email and text messages causes the loss of IQ points (temporarily).  Brought to us by our friends at HP (whose market research budget is obviously larger than mine).

"The noticeable drop in IQ is attributed to the constant distraction of “always on” technology…"

I have no idea what…….uh…sorry…just got a message…am back now..they are talking about.

But that doesn’t make it right or so the saying goes.  I had a recent conversation with the head of Info Security for a big energy company.  We were discussing messaging and how he spends a great deal of his time reacting to things that have happened – a mis-directed email, release of sensitive information, etc. rather than being able to get out ahead of the incidents.

He summed up his frustration with this statement – how are you going to get all users to follow the rules and adhere to the "speed limit" when in many cases it may not even be posted.  This is a reference to the challenges with not only describing unauthorized usage, but authorized. 

It also speaks directly to the nature of enterprise email and how all users push the limits to get their jobs done – including, as he admitted, himself.

So, what do you do to build awareness without bringing traffic to a halt?  My belief is that you can’t force everyone to "go the speed limit" but you can create increased awareness and reduce "speeding" with the right balance of enforcement and accountability.  Why else would municipalities invest in those unmanned radar speed signs?

It provides personal feedback (your speed) that you can then act on (slow down) or ignore (continue or speed up) without immediate 3rd party enforcement (a police officer). 

Awareness goes up and speeds go down. 

This is the main thinking behind SenderConfirm and our belief that regaining control over email is not about catching people doing things wrong, but putting the right amount of technology in place to remind folks when they may need to re-think that email they just sent.

I have always been intrigued by Winston Churchill both as a strong leader during the Second World War and as a not so successful politician. His life is a study in leadership and how special people rise to the challenges put in front of them.

Some time ago I came across a story about his oratory skills and his notes on the manuscript of one of his speeches. As the story goes, there was a section underlined in red and in the margin was written “Weak point. Speak louder.” In trying to actually source this (unsuccessfully), I found this page of great Churchill quotes.

Regardless of what you do, there are always weak points in your story as you package it and communicate it to others. Be prepared to be called on them and find them in advance so that you know where they are and how they will be viewed by your audience. Many times we are in such a hurry to get our points across to get our audience to come to our way of thinking that we overlook this subtle but important perspective. So the next time you pitch an investor, meet with a prospect, or engage in active debate on any topic, know your weak points in advance and be prepared to “speak louder.”

As I was running yesterday in Kirkland and started up the long gradual hill that rises on Market Street from Marina Park, I found myself thinking about my approach to running hills as I began to seriously question it.

For whatever reason, I have always viewed a hill as an opportunity to not just sustain my pace, but to increase it and pass others as they reduce their speed.

I have no idea if this is wise or that it necessarily helps my placement in race (against myself or others), but it is something I have made a habit of over the years. I do, however, certainly think it defines some part of me and my approach to challenges.

I think it’s a good question to ask of people and suggest steering clear of those that choose to walk the hills.

Ultimately behind all technology use are users and users make decisions about how to use technology to communicate, complete work tasks, and live their lives.

So, as companies struggle with how to increase awareness of the possible risks (security, legal, regulatory) from errant actions, how do you find the middle ground between mitigating risk and respecting the privacy of employees?

An extreme example of instant feedback to change behaviors was recently covered by the BBC- ‘Talking’ CCTV scolds offenders

Surveillance cameras that speak to you if you litter or commit "anti-social" behavior.  My favorite part of the story is using children’s voices to correct offending behavior

Competitions would also be held at schools in many of the areas for children to become the voice of the cameras, Mr Reid said.