Is It Tech Without Purpose?

(Part 1 In a Series)

Technology is defined, in part, as 'use of technical means...drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.'  And I want to focus on that phrase 'technical means', because it leads us to consider the 'ends', as in 'the means to and end'.  

Technology doesn't help very much if it doesn't help us to improve our efforts, or
help us to improve our technical means.  So then the first thing we've got to do is identify the ends.  From there we can identify the means, and it's only then that we can begin to address true 'technology', as in terms of progress.

So, Then what's the goal of technology in construction?  And to answer that we’ve got to ask about our goal in construction.  And for the purpose of making sure that we’re all on the same plane as we discuss this point – I feel that it's necessary to cover three points:

1.  If you’re waiting for someone to teach you, good luck – because you’re going to need it.  Lots of it.  And when you do get it, it’s probably going to be the bad kind of luck.  On the other hand, if you’re willing to learn on your own, if you’re willing to be a pain in the ass, if you’re willing to be curious, feel dumb - if you’re willing to have some humility about your passage through this extremely precarious and brief tenure on this plant, then you’re ready to be working for a paycheck instead of waiting to win the lottery.  

2.       How much do you think you need to make per year in order to be in the top 1% richest people on earth?  In order to be in the top 1% in regard to the richest yearly earners on the planet, how much money do you need to make?  A million? Two Million?  Half a million?  Try $32,400.  So, it's with that in mind that I ask -  1) If you’re not grateful for what you have, why not? And 2) If you begin to feel like your financial well-being is a gift, you’re right – and this gift is one that should be paid forward. 

3.       We’re talking about your job, here.  Our personal goals are your personal goals, and our baggage is your baggage.  On this walk - we’re on this walk alone.  You come in to this world alone and you leave alone, and that’s our personal journey.  But when we’re here, either mentally or physically, our individual goal is the company’s goal.  

Your goal…

Don’t overthink it.  The goal is sustainable profits.  And to be even more specific we’re talking about sustainable profits as opposed to quick-fix profits, profits at all cost.  We’re not talking about short sighted costs.

The company’s goal – at every moment – should be working to create more sustainable profits.  All other efforts are waste.  If you can't connect the "dot" that is whatever you call "technology" with the only other "dot" that matters, "profits", then how can we consider it technology?

In later sections, we'll discuss team alignment, modern focus and how technology approaches these themes in our construction industry.