Mastering the art of assertiveness is an imperative in the current digital economy [see photo]. Assertiveness is required as a consumer and as a worker.
Consumer assertiveness is an art that is now required because digitalisation data is being prioritized almost to the exclusion of personal service. Increasingly the face-to-face service that consumer will receive in future [due to the new focus on digital data-based systems] will be far less than satisfactory, unless or until, each individual demand consistent and reasoned service. The assertion of the consumer is what is needed [and some preparation will be required in most instances to make a substantive claim] and what it is reasonable under the terms of service applicable to the provider. Under the old analogue system these demands would be made by the consumer in the normal processes of a sale or delivery of a service. But in a digital system the consumer is replaced by the database held on the system that relates either to this service or to the data held on the target of the service.
Worker assertiveness is an art that is now required to properly frame the terms and conditions of employment. I believe that non-assertive employees who agree to work from home [or in some ways online] will soon become redundant. My reasoning is that the non-assertive will become subjected to a more, and more, intrusive set of performance data that makes it more, and more, likely that the work can and will be automated. This is happening today at large global enterprise sites and as expected this has resulted in a new Union movement. Unlike the old Union movement which pitted workers against management - this time the dispute is between unskilled labour and the digital data system controls them and will eventually automate their jobs.
The old analogue system was open and thus had active feedback loops cycling back from the environment. Those open workplaces enabled the workers to be innovative and thus to increase their productivity [wage value]. The new digital system is a closed system that feeds off itself as it relies upon the inputs of more, and more, data as it relates to the productivity of production and delivery systems. As closed systems grow the inputs from outside are gained through acquisitions and this is a very reliable channel for invention or innovation.
Please practice being assertive as a worker and as a consumer - it seems to me that it is your best hope of getting the best out of this new digital system architecture.
Richard. .
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