Deteriorating penmanship

I love pens. I have lots of them and lost a lot of them, too. Most of the pens I lost were due to personal negligence. I left them in that tiny pocket at the back of the passenger seat in front of me. Other times, someone borrowed my pen but never returned it.

The main reason why I love pens is that writing, for me, is a form of art. I speak a lot, and I write a lot. But I must admit that my penmanship has greatly deteriorated over the years. Before personal computers became common, my penmanship was considered less than stellar. Now, it has deteriorated even further—to the point where I sometimes struggle to read my own handwriting. Thankfully, God has blessed me with business associates who somehow manage to decipher what many would generously describe as “chicken scratch.” These days, most of my writing happens on my laptop or tablet’s keyboards, which has been a saving grace!

Technology is driving a lot of people insane. Some catch up well, others are trying, and then again, others have given up. One businessman said: “You’ve become a computer freak when you spend half your plane trip with your laptop on your lap and your child in the overhead baggage compartment.”

Things around us are constantly changing, and technology drives change. We used to ask: “Are you an introverted person, or are you an extrovert?” Today, you tend to ask: “Are you an IOS or an Android?” There was a time when technology was only for the geeks, but now technology is shaping all of us and altering how we live. It is no longer a badge of pride to say, “I don’t even know what AI is and am afraid of it. I get my people to do that for me.” It’s like saying, “I still don’t know how to use my legs; I have other people to walk for me.”

As a digital immigrant, I’ve had to embrace a lot of humility in admitting the truth: when it comes to technology, I was once a complete “zero.” That’s why I’ve learned to rely on young people to guide me. The reality is that no one can ever truly become an expert in technology because it evolves far too quickly for anyone to master everything. That said, I’ve grown to enjoy exploring new technological developments and using these tools effectively in my work and life. It’s often said that by the time you fully understand your computer, it’s already obsolete—which couldn’t be more true.

Still, learning technology is non-negotiable. Businesses that fail to invest in and adapt to technology risk falling behind their competitors who do. The key is to stay curious, stay humble and keep on learning.

I meet regularly with a group of incredibly talented young people who are teaching me what I need to know about technology. In return, they seek my advice on business and life, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas. They teach me about the latest tools and innovations to enhance my work performance, and we always have a great time together.

Today, I wore smart glasses. I have a smart ring. All I need is to be smart myself. I need to learn, and the young people are happier and more willing to teach me. This is why I genuinely look forward to each meeting because I’m not only learning new skills but also gaining fresh perspectives. Through this experience, I’ve come to realize an important life lesson: learning is a two-way street, and no matter your age or expertise, there’s always something new to discover when you’re open to collaboration.

This has something to do with the wise words of Gordon Taggart, who said:

I wish I were honest enough to admit all my shortcomings:

·      brilliant enough to accept flattery without it making me arrogant;

·      tall enough to tower above deceit;

·      strong enough to treasure love;

·      brave enough to welcome criticism;

·      compassionate enough to understand human frailties;

·      wise enough to recognize my mistakes;

·      humble enough to appreciate greatness;

·      staunch enough to stand by my friends;

·      human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbor;

·      and righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God.

And may I add just one more thought: “modest enough to learn more from the young.” Meanwhile, I need to improve my penmanship.

(Francis Kong will run his highly acclaimed Level Up Leadership – The Next Edge but strictly for forty participants. This whole-day event will happen on Feb. 25, 2025, at the Rockwell Club Function Rooms. For inquiries and reservations, contact Sylene Alonzo at 0976-638-8974 or Savee at 0917-533-6817. For more information, visit www.levelupleadership.ph.)