8
new technologies are making it possible for us to embrace and develop in these areas, from utilizing the platforms for advanced collaboration and communication to allowing automation to free us to be innovative. We know that learning propels us forward, creating space for creativity and generating opportunities for innovation and imagination. Adopting AI to standardize our tedious and time-consuming tasks eliminates barriers for us to learn, opening our minds to explore alternative solutions. To maintain momentum, embrace new technologies, and learn new skills, we must work together. We cannot be selfish and safeguard our knowledge for ourselves. To effectively inspire change, sharing our knowledge should be normal practice, constantly in the pursuit of furthering the industry, hoping that we can all continuously inspire one another to press the boundaries and drive change into the future. We must push the envelope, set expectations of future functions, dream of the possibilities, and discuss how to implement change within the industry. Although change can begin with one person, monumental, industry-altering change must be a cohesive, collaborative team effort. The question then becomes: are you willing to be a champion of change? Shelby Smith is CIM manager at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson. Contact her at slsmith@jmt.com.
SHELBY SMITH, from page 7
may possess around change, this statistic demonstrates the industry’s desire to embrace technology and openness to change. And change is already underway. The fact that “72 percent of respondents stated the workforce has evolved more in the past three years than it had in the previous 25 years” resonated with me most. Being thrust into a pandemic forced us to embrace the technology available to continue our work, no longer having the capacity to conduct our business in person, around a table, utilizing paper and pencil. Embracing the software and cloud-based solutions was mandatory, allowing us to coordinate projects and design efficiently and effectively. The State of Design & Make Report also identified the competencies needed for the future, from technology, collaboration, and innovation skills to the capacity and motivation for ongoing learning. These skills will be the factors driving the workforce forward in the future, and “To maintain momentum, embrace new technologies, and learn new skills, we must work together. We cannot be selfish and safeguard our knowledge for ourselves.”
© Copyright 2024. Zweig Group. All rights reserved.
THE ZWEIG LETTER JULY 15, 2024, ISSUE 1545
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker