A recent post on the Harvard Business Review blog got me thinking: Even with all these advanced technologies, are leaders adapting? Are they embracing one-to-one video conversations when face-to-face isn't possible? Will these tactics eventually replace vital in-person meetings and visits to employees on the front lines? The writer of the article, James A. Champy, offers a personal perspective:

"Like many executives, I use advanced technologies to manage and do my job. But I keep asking whether I'm a Luddite because my leadership style has not changed over the years, even though I'm "wired". Without question, technology today enables leaders to communicate more broadly and quickly and to hear from many points of contact at one time. I can also effectively teleconference with people I know — but, as we have learned, remote communications don't work well with people you don't know. I have no doubt that I am a better leader because I am more current and knowledgeable thanks to technology. But I worry more that the world of web 2.0 — and what comes after — will distract, not add, from the skill of leaders, make them more, rather than less, remote. ...Real leadership requires relationships and personal engagement. Nothing I see in technology has yet to replace these qualities. I believe that technology will enable new business models, but not "new leadership."

I hope you’ll take the opportunity to read the comments on his post for additional insights and debate on this topic as well as another HBR post by Anthony Tjan on crucial conversations where he states:

"The most effective leaders know how to have courageous conversations. Most important leadership transactions still take place in live, in-person conversations. Virtual, asynchronous communications such as email, sms, Twitter and Facebook postings are faster, cheaper, and more convenient than in-person options for staying connected and sharing information. But problems arise when they are used to avoid critical or challenging messages that can have significant impact on a business. Good leaders embrace technology to enhance communication productivity, but they are careful not to replace the in-person conversations required to get difficult things done."

I have to agree with Mr. Tjan. We're in a whole new world. One that, in my opinion, not only requires the use of video conferencing, social tools and other technologies that improve business design and collaboration, but one that also begs for leader adaptation without a loss of sight for the value and impact of face-to-face meetings. I'd like to think thoughtful leaders that are embracing technology understand the balance that's needed to improve and maintain the human experience; instinctively knowing when a situation requires them to jump on a plane, step onto the front lines or simply take a quick walk down the hall.

Personally speaking

While this post is obviously geared toward leaders and organizations, I think we can all take its message to heart. I did. In the past year+  I've attended many conferences, tweetups & gatherings that have been invaluable in strengthening connections as well as learning from peers. But in the past month or so, I've been a bit anti-social. Not because I don't want to see or meet people. Rather, I felt some additional family time was needed and have even started shutting down my laptop in the evenings (and weekends). I've noticed a difference too. There's always a lingering feeling of being disconnected & missing out on the conversations & relationship-building. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I'm looking forward to face-time with peers and friends at both HRevolution and the Social Recruiting Summit in the coming days and weeks.

What about you?

How often do you take the opportunity to get out and meet, network and or pick up the phone to talk to people you've come to adore and respect online? As a leader or manager, do you encourage in-person and take advantage of video conferencing when in-person may not be an option?