I have a student in my business communication class who already has a degree in IT. As I am not a whiz with technology, he stepped in to assist me when I had trouble. With lightning-fast keystrokes, he was able to do everything I struggled with — it was amazing! He now strategically positions himself near the front and has become our tech guru, manning the computer for the whole class so I don’t even need to get near it. I wish I could take him on the road.
Ironically, he was hired for his job because of his computer background — but is never called upon to use it. His job is not directly IT-related, and people seem to have forgotten that he has these skills. Their department did a major software update, but he wasn’t involved. Such a missed opportunity.
It may be time to refresh your knowledge about your employees’ backgrounds and unused talents. Re-read those resumes from long ago. Ask them what other ways they could contribute. Solicit volunteers for new projects or tasks. Don’t let a gem amongst you go underutilized and underappreciated.
