Pros and Cons of Technology in Communication

Technology in business communication

Communication is the most vital tool that any individual will use daily. Therefore, understanding how to communicate effectively in today’s technologically driven world is imperative. While you may not always use technology to communicate, it is becoming increasingly more common. The best way to become a successful communicator is to understand the tools available to you. With growing global connections, workforces becoming more diverse and autonomous, and leaders growing in their ability to lead positively, all must remain mindful of the pros and cons of technology in communication.

The Pros

There are several pros to using technology in communication. The ones listed below are not an exhaustive list, but some of the top advantages realized by our team and clients.

Global Connection

Almost two years after covid-19 began, most organizations know how valuable it is to be connected through technology, allowing us to work from home. Not only did this allow teleworking to be successful, but it opened smaller organizations to the possibility of hiring team members who are not in the office’s vicinity, allowing even the smallest teams to grow their global influence. While technology has connected us globally for quite a while, we have all adapted and learned additional skills in order to succeed in a world where working from home is inevitable for many. The global connection is an amazing asset, and so is being able to work together on projects in real time, sharing and organizing tasks and documents, and using the appropriate channel for conversations such as email or instant messaging (IM).

Increased Productivity

When technology is used appropriately, it can increase productivity (see below under Technology for Technology’s Sake). When you have the best technology to perform your work, it can boost your productivity level by giving you appropriate shortcuts, allowing you to organize past, present, and future information, create templates and projects, notify other team members of their assigned work, and so much more. One of the best parts about technology is that when you know what tools are available to you and can use them properly, you can choose the best tool to help you with your task. Overall, technology has allowed us to become more productive in our work than in eras where technology was absent. Consider how long it might take a lawyer to research a case in the 1950s versus now with the implementation of technology, or how long it would take a detective to gather facts about a case before fingerprint technology was implemented and uploaded into a database. Most, if not all, of our tasks are sped up with technology’s use.

The Cons

With all good things comes the bad side, but if you know what to look for you can try to avoid some of the cons that come with using technology in communication.

Using Technology for Technology’s Sake

Many organizations will find themselves using technology that doesn’t offer them enough features or it offers way too many. Sometimes, leaders implement technology for their teams without understanding the full capabilities of that technology. This often occurs for technology that is “trending” or being appropriately used by other organizations; however, not all technology works for all organizations. When implementing any kind of technology, leaders must understand why they are choosing that technology, what it will satisfy, how their team will use it, what it integrates with (such as other technologies already being used), and when it will be most beneficial to the team to implement. Using technology for technology’s sake can cause confusion and irritation, so be sure to fully understand why you’re implementing new technology and ensure it satisfies all the requirements you have but not more than that.

If you would like to read more information on this, please read our founder’s blog, No Technology for Technology’s Sake.

Miscommunication

We saved this one for last because it is the most obvious. All individuals have communicated via technology and had their message received in a different intention that it was anticipated. This is primarily due to technology removing tone, facial expression, body language, and other micro-body ques that our brains keep track of when we are engaged in face-to-face conversation. Technology allows us to communicate around the world, but language is as diverse as people and sarcasm, jargon, or common sayings may not be understood or may be misinterpreted. Tone is lost, so it is left to the reader to fill in. The truth is that there will always be misinterpretations when it comes to email, IM, texting, and other forms of technological communication. However, you can combat those negative effects by doing your best to understand how your reader might interpret your message, using specific and concise language, and attempting to communicate in a positive or neutral tone. Should you notice that someone isn’t understanding you, pick up the phone and give them a call or hop on a video-conferencing call.

Two things to keep in mind as you continue pondering the pros and cons of technology in your organization: 1) Everyone communicates differently, especially generationally! Remember, some generations in the workforce today didn’t grow up with technology or were even introduced to technology until later in their lives. Conversely, upcoming and younger generations grew up with this technology and may find it easier to use than others. 2) If you can have face to face conversations, do so! This is still the richest form of communication, and it can help build relationships and strengthen bonds. As we begin another year, keep in mind that your ability to positively influence your team through your communication tactics is the key to organizational success.

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How to Mitigate Financial Risk Using the S.M.A.R.T. Management System

June 9, 2025

In an increasingly volatile economy, businesses cannot afford to be reactive when it comes to their finances. Whether you're a startup founder, a growing enterprise, or a seasoned business owner, the risk of financial instability is real—and growing. At IA Business Advisors, we help companies proactively navigate these risks using our comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. Management System . S.M.A.R.T. is more than just a goal-setting acronym. It is a decision-making and execution framework that brings clarity, structure, and alignment to every part of your business. From six-week action plans to one-year targets and long-term strategy, S.M.A.R.T. ensures your financial operations support healthy growth and resilience. Understanding Financial Risk in Today’s Business Climate Financial risk is multifaceted. It ranges from cash flow disruptions and market shifts to internal mismanagement and over-leveraged growth. As Brian Smith shared on a recent Daily Influence podcast episode, unchecked growth can drive a company into bankruptcy. Scaling without intention—chasing fast growth without aligning the internal team and financial resources—leads to diluted communication, quality issues, and operational chaos. Mitigating financial risk begins by understanding that more revenue doesn't always equal more stability. True sustainability comes from building systems that support intentional, well-paced growth. The S.M.A.R.T. Framework in Action: Reducing Financial Risk Our S.M.A.R.T. Management System guides businesses in creating resilient, financially stable operations through: 1. Specific: Build with Intentionality Clarity is power. One of our podcast guests, Mike Heatwole (CEO of The Dala Group), emphasized the importance of sitting down to define what matters most—whether that’s paying down debt, investing in growth, or launching a new venture. When your financial goals are specific, your strategy becomes targeted and less prone to reactive decision-making. “If we don’t know what the goal is, how do we get there?” — Mike Heatwole, CEO of The Dala Group 2. Measurable: Track What Matters Many companies are blindsided not by invisible risks, but by unmonitored ones. We help clients implement tools to track cash flow, margin fluctuations, and budget variances in real time. Visibility into your financial health gives you the power to respond early and course correct as needed. 3. Achievable: Assign Financial Stewardship Risk is reduced when financial responsibility is distributed. Through teamwide financial literacy and clear accountability, we empower organizations to make stronger daily decisions. No individual person should carry the entire burden—and no key area should go unmonitored. 4. Relevant: Make Risk Management a Habit Quarterly or biannual financial health check-ins create a sustainable rhythm. These don’t have to be complicated—they just need to be consistent. Regular reviews embed risk awareness into your company culture and decision-making process. 5. Timely: Foster Honest Dialogue Financial silence is a hidden threat. As Brian noted on the podcast, emotions like fear or shame can prevent businesses from facing financial realities. We encourage honest, blame-free communication around financial performance, creating space for solutions and collective action. Case in Point: Short-Term Action, Long-Term Impact One of our clients, a family-run distribution company, had strong revenue but was bleeding cash due to aging receivables. Together, we built a six-week S.M.A.R.T. Plan focused on accounts receivable recovery. We implemented weekly check-ins, assigned ownership, and used real-time tracking. Within 90 days, their outstanding A/R dropped by 22%, freeing up capital and restoring operational confidence. It’s Never Too Late to Get Financially Intentional Many leaders in their 40s, 50s, or 60s worry they’ve waited too long. But as Mike Heatwole wisely shared: “It’s never too late. Just get started. Do something.” Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Start small. Build momentum. Take the next best step. This mirrors a concept we love from The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan: measure progress based on how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. Final Thoughts: Make Financial Stability a Strategy Mitigating financial risk isn’t about a dramatic overhaul. It’s about consistent action, visibility, and intentional decision-making. With the S.M.A.R.T. Management System, IA Business Advisors helps businesses turn risk into clarity, fear into focus, and instability into opportunity. If you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help. Let’s have a conversation about what matters most to you—and build from there.

Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships for Toxic Workplace Recovery

May 29, 2025

Hello, team! Mary here, continuing our journey through the I in Team series, where we challenge and empower you to Find , Be , and Build Your Influence. One of the most common things we’re asked to help our clients with is toxic workplace recovery. This directly connects to the culture of the team, and while rebuilding that culture takes time and intention, it is absolutely possible. In fact, with the guidance of our I in Team approach and S.M.A.R.T. Management system, we’ve successfully helped more than 19,000 teams evolve into high-performing, values-based cultures. If you’re ready to take the lead and breathe life back into your team, we’re here and ready to support you. Practice Emotional Intelligence One of the most impactful steps you can take on your toxic workplace recovery journey is to practice emotional intelligence (the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both your own emotions and the emotions of those around you). Toxic environments are often the result of emotional disconnection, poor communication, unnecessary competition, and a culture that avoids constructive feedback. Begin by shifting your perspective: respond with empathy, ask thoughtful questions, and use “I” statements. These habits model two traits, emotional regulation and empathy, that influence how your team interacts and solves problems. Start small. For example, set a personal goal to give one piece of sincere praise or recognition per day. This is a S.M.A.R.T. goal, and it starts to reinforce positive emotional exchanges. Over time, this contributes to a psychologically safe environment where people feel seen and supported. Foster Open Communication Once emotional intelligence begins to take root, toxic workplace recovery is just around the corner. Open communication becomes more natural because when team members are aware of their own and others’ emotions, communication becomes seamless. The number one rule? Listen. Really listen. Without listening, communication is incomplete. Try implementing monthly influence partnerships—team pairings that rotate so members can get to know each other beyond surface-level roles. This creates connection and, when done with consistency (Timely), fosters trust across your team. Another way to build open communication is by creating a structured feedback loop. Clarify how and when feedback should be given—perhaps during weekly one-on-ones or monthly review meetings—and make sure all team members understand the difference between criticism and constructive feedback. S.M.A.R.T. feedback is Specific and Relevant, and when delivered with respect, it encourages team members to grow without fear. Lead by Example As we say throughout the I in Team series, everyone is a leader regardless of title. Whether you’re in the C-suite or just starting your first job, how you show up directly shapes the culture of your team. To begin, set some respectful boundaries rooted in your values. Let others know what you need to succeed and what behaviors support or disrupt your work. When disagreements arise, demonstrate what respectful disagreement looks like—calm, focused on solutions, and free from personal attacks. If your workplace has leaned into competition, shift the focus to collaboration. Collaborate on micro-goals, like shared tasks or cross-functional projects. Make the results Measurable and celebrate wins together (publicly, if possible). Consider S.M.A.R.T.-based team-building events (like problem-solving challenges or goal-setting workshops) to reinforce collaboration in a meaningful way. Final Thoughts Toxic workplace recovery starts with you. Every interaction, every word, every moment of listening is a chance to model what’s possible. Show up the way you want others to show up. If your team is struggling to rebuild or you need expert guidance, reach out . We’re here to help. Let’s keep influencing responsibly and positively together.