Being on Auto-Drive

Several weeks ago, Darcy -- a Dialogue colleague -- and I were talking about the technology behind the newest auto-drive cars.  We were wondering how the cars would be programmed:  that is, how strictly would the current driving laws and practices be programmed?  Think:  speed limits; when and how to pass another car; the distance required for turn signals to be used; watching out for motorcycles and bicycles...

Observing my current driving practices and those of others, there are countless assumptions we make as we anticipate what others might do... and we may have become sloppy in not using turn signals in every situation and (occasionally) driving above the speed limit!

When are you on autopilot?
(Photo credit:  Self-driving Cars - The Technology,
Risks and Possibilities - Harvard Science in the News)

What "common assumptions" do you think should be programmed?  Do you assume that others would agree with your list?  What happens if the automated car is programmed a way that you might disagree?  When will you use auto-drive, and how often will you take control to do it your way?

In a similar fashion, we are relying more on technology to help us navigate through our daily lives.  Think: smart devices that remind us of appointments; direct us to our next destination; turn on our lights, heat or air conditioning before we arrive at our homes.

In what ways do we cause chaos?
(Photo credit:  If You Look at Your Phone While
Walking, You're an Agent of Chaos - New York Times)

There are studies that show our reliance on these devices isn't necessarily simplifying our lives.  In fact, sometimes while using advanced technology, we go on autopilot... which creates chaos.  Think: the number of times you drive or walk while using your phones (texting, reading emails, looking up directions, listening to podcasts).

So, what do we do about our assumptions and being on autopilot or using technology that is pre-programmed with common assumptions that may not be common?

How are you present to others?
(Photo credit:  Top 10 Networking and
Conversation Tips - Shepa Learning Company)

You may have other ideas, but maybe we can:

• Pay attention to our assumptions.
  
• Notice when we are distracted.
• Become more present to the people around us.

If we slow down and signal what we are thinking, feeling, assuming, or concluding, we may find that others have differing ideas.  Coming off of autopilot provides choices in how to interact.

What do you think?

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)