Software as a Consciousness (SaaC)

As described in my previous blog (Software as a Second Self: SaaS2), our ability to handle life in all its many facets is under constant pressure. As a result, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals and teams to find ways to reduce overwhelm and achieve goals.

I love Tiago Forte’s approach to digital self management. He created the ‘second brain’ methodology to help us remember our most interesting ideas. This has important implications for teams and organisations. I’ve found that we all want to collaborate, but if our individual breakthroughs are not being recognised and our corporate tools are not supporting us to work together more effectively, motivation and effectiveness can quickly fade. 

So how do we find applications that support both individual and team success?

It is important to consider different types of software:

‘Legacy’ software that was introduced based on historical needs is the ultimate ‘collective unconscious’ but it may limit the team's potential by reinforcing processes that have become obsolete. 

‘Structured’ Software that is based on sequential and hierarchical ‘structures’ are the foundation of our consciousness. But they can translate into rigid and detailed workflow paths. This can result in a lack of freedom and flexibility which forces people to do things they don’t need to do... and can drive them a little crazy! See: The 12 tasks of Asterix: The place that sends you mad. 

‘Unstructured’ software that offers more freedom is key to get momentum on projects and in teams. But it can be confusing and limit the quality of deliverables. When software is too flexible, it can also lack traceability and intelligence.

‘Contemporary’ software encourages open, creative, self-learned and unstructured approaches which can maximise team potential. 

Fibery is the best option I’ve seen so far. It takes into account the above while also enabling transparency and connectedness for teams (and for teams of teams). Not an easy feat!

When team members are able to share their ideas and insights effortlessly, it creates a unique collective consciousness: a web that holds the team together and supports productive relationships. 

How about you? Which software have you recently used that sparked your creativity and inspired your teams to grow and work effortlessly?