I'm on the verge of vacation, and amidst so many tasks, to-dos, and things I need to get organized, the urge to write arises within me.
Okay, so far so good. But what to write about? I'm not really sure... and I decided to start with a pompous title.
The future is sardine ice cream!
And now? I don't intend to engage in any futurology exercise here, or anything of the sort, because we've already realized that the future is something that happens tomorrow and we'll soon see.
And if even a famous astrologer couldn't tell from the cards that she was going to be fired the next day, who am I to start casting dice or reading cards? Therefore, I'm not going to talk about the future. That's a conclusion.
Let's talk about what has been happening. And not exactly about the past. That's something that's already gone. And what has been happening is even somewhat amusing. If it weren't so tragic for so many people. But as the saying goes:
Behind every great tragedy, something very good always comes!
Or at least that's what we hope. So, what's been happening at ActiveMedia? How are we experiencing these times? Challenges upon challenges? Let's get to it.
Organizing is even more necessary
One of the great lessons to be learned from this whole process of leaving here, going home, coming back here, coordinating the team, sharing knowledge and files, sharing ideas, creating new things, monitoring developments, knowing what's going on, …
The early days of lockdown were terrifying, and I feel we spent a lot of time on calls just trying to reorganize ourselves. Simple issues took a long time to resolve.
How's the project going? Any questions? Can I help? Let me see. …
Over time we've managed to better consolidate our organizational methods, and while it's not perfect, I'd say it's moving in the right direction. Adjustments here and there, and we'll get there.
Trust is fundamental
Now more than ever, it's necessary to trust the teams, their responsibility, and their commitment. We don't require start times, digital time clocks, or other forms of control.
On Slack, it was common for someone to say they were going to yoga, rock climbing, the gym, shopping during less busy times, or simply taking a walk because they were bored. None of that disrupted our days or deliveries.
Flexibility to flow
Every day we realize that nobody knows and it's not worth making too many plans. We continue to stay home, except for me, who walks to Active every day; occasionally we arrange in-person work sessions when the project requires it, or because we miss each other's company.
When are we coming back? How are we coming back? Are we coming back at all? I don't know, I don't care, the door is open.
Sorcerer's apprentices
This has been a huge challenge. Every year we are asked to host interns from various schools. And here it was a disaster. A real disaster. We couldn't manage it… we're trying… and it's going better now that we've made mistakes and understood the shortcomings.
This leads to the conclusion that one of the areas of education that needs significant work in the coming years is precisely the discipline, resilience, communication skills, and resourcefulness of future professionals.
The person who can help them isn't there; they're somewhere else and don't see that they're distressed or lost. If they don't say anything, nobody will know.
It's a task we still need to resolve and fit together better. We'll get there.
Boredom
"You could be at home with 3 children, the dog and the cat and see if you'd get bored!"
Okay. You have my sympathy and solidarity. But believe me, spending entire days alone in a space isn't easy either.
And I used to say that one day I would become a Capuchin friar… now I spend my days longing for some company, however little, because nobody can stand the air conditioning at the levels that are comfortable for me.
And if company is needed for creation, for creative nonsense, for the eruption of ideas, then it's something that requires more work.
Digital always, experience first
Whenever I see an article or study concluding that digital is coming, that now is the time, and so on, I just want to cry. It's been around since nineteen-something. It's just 20 years behind.
Yes, once and for all, being digital has made things much easier. We don't move a file around, we don't worry about server locations, email access, or other tools... because everything is in the cloud!
But it turns out that digital is just a means, a channel, … just like electricity and running water.
Now we just have to embrace this and use it in building our experiences, whatever they may be.
Will we be okay?
We will remain. With new habits, new quirks, new ways of doing, being, and experiencing. And in the end, we make a summary and a synthesis and begin again. Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis.
We just have to get there with our hands washed, keeping the proper distance, and wearing masks.
The future is like sardine ice cream… explain that better
The future is just going to be strange, just like a sardine ice cream.
How am I going to eat it? On bread? With olive oil? Should I go with a glass of red wine and a pepper salad?
Once again we'll have to defy traditions and conventions and eat this ice cream in a beautiful cricket flour biscuit cone topped with cazu marzu.
PS – If this article isn't proof that I really need a vacation, I don't know what else I can say in my defense. You can tease me all you want, but the most you'll get is a fantastic FoFoFoffice. 🙂
See you in September!
