Mastering Digital Acumen: Unleashing the Power of Tech-Savviness in the Modern Workplace

Before we start, I need to reiterate something that is often lost on North Americans - languages grow, change and evolve every day. The English we knew 50 years ago, is very different than the language we use today. That is why the dictionary occasionally puts out new editions. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as, "well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology, especially computers." 

So, if you are someone searching for, "Is Tech Savvy a skill" or "What is tech-savvy?" but not finding a distinct answer, I'm here to clear it up for you. Indeed defines it as, "they have the right skills and intuitive knowledge to operate modern devices effectively. It typically involves understanding technical concepts, then knowing how to apply them in different contexts." 

I find people often jump to the assumption to be Tech Savvy, you need to wear a black hoodie, emblazoned with a defunct tech company name, furiously hack into government websites and be able to read or write code. I personally see Tech Savvy skills in admins every day. When Covid hit, every admin I know became tech support. I was working in operations at the time, and found myself rolling out remote work to an age group who had never utilized video calling before. The number of times we had to ask people to mute themselves in the early days was astounding. Even though I hadn't used video calling as a regular occurrence, I'd sat on in enough conference calls to know to hit my mute button. We were able to do that, because we're used to utilizing technology. 

Being Tech Savvy isn't about your ability to code, set up hardware, or manage a team of IT professionals. Being Tech Savvy is about your ability to look at a situation, assess what the problem is, and research a solution that is efficient. In 2023, a lot of those solutions are going to be digital. 

As I'm recruiting for Tech Savvy Assistants, these are some things I'm doing to assess if someone has the right skill set: 

Section 1: Technical Skills

Asking, what software and tech tools are you most comfortable with?

Have you used any AI tools such as ChatGPT in a professional setting? If so, how have you used them?Can you provide an example of a technical problem you faced in your work and how you solved it?

How would you rate your ability to learn and adapt to new technologies? 

Section 2: Problem-Solving Skills 

Have you ever had to solve a problem without having any previous experience or knowledge in that area? If so, how did you handle it?

Can you give an example of a time when you used technology to streamline a process or make it more efficient?

What steps do you usually take when troubleshooting a tech issue? 

Section 3: Scenarios 

You need to schedule a meeting with participants in different time zones. How would you ensure everyone can attend and how would you use technology to assist in this?

The business owner needs to analyze sales data from the past year and visualize trends. Which software or tools would you use and why?

The business owner receives a large number of emails daily and is struggling to manage them. What tech solutions would you recommend to make this more manageable?

We often need to collaborate on documents in real-time. What tools or platforms would you suggest and why?

Imagine you are faced with a tech problem you've never encountered before and there's no immediate help available. How would you handle it? 

Understanding tech savviness and its importance isn't just for the Silicon Valley set anymore. In an increasingly digital world, it's vital for everyone to have some level of tech savviness. It's not about knowing all the tech lingo or being able to code. It's about using our digital tools to their maximum potential, adapting to new technologies, and using them to solve problems in innovative ways. It's not just about troubleshooting an uncooperative computer or setting up a video conference call. It's about having the acumen to incorporate technology effectively into your work process. It's about leveraging digital tools to not just do your job, but to do it better and more efficiently. It's about being aware of the new tech tools and solutions that are constantly becoming available, and understanding how they can be applied to your work. 

Being tech savvy is more than a skill; it's a mindset. It's about embracing the technological advances that are shaping our world, instead of being intimidated by them. It's about having the curiosity to explore new tools, the courage to experiment with them, and the wisdom to implement them strategically. So, next time you're faced with a technological challenge, don't shy away. Embrace it. Learn from it. Use it as an opportunity to grow your tech savviness. 

And remember, it's not about being a computer whiz or a gadget guru. It's about being a problem solver in a digital age. And that's a skill set that will always be in high demand. The bar for being tech-savvy is continually being raised and whether you're an admin assistant, a manager, or a business owner, having this digital acumen can be the key to unlocking greater productivity and success in your career. So don’t underestimate the power of being tech savvy—it could be your secret weapon in the world of work. Let’s remember - it's not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those who can best manage change. And in the world we live in, change is digital.