I feel like it was just yesterday that I was a server at a restaurant, running around like crazy, feeling that rush of adrenaline knowing I had more to do than likely physically possible. And every time I go to a busy bar or restaurant those memories come flooding back and two main thoughts go through my head:

1. I appreciate having a desk job (although I miss the nightly workout).
2. I wonder, “HOW did I do that?!”

There were nights that the task list in my head was large enough that if someone asked how they could help, it was easier just to turn them down flat. All I really needed was to get to the computer.

If you’ve worked in the restaurant industry, you remember the feeling of waiting for a computer and strongly considering bumping ahead so you could get a drink order in that you just pretended you didn’t forget about (even though you did). Think about how essential the computer was for operations. It was the hub that allowed you make just about everything happen.

As a manager, I knew the factor that likely affected servers the most was not knowing the computer screens. I may be referencing the restaurant industry here, but I think the same concept can be applied to most any job. Usability of the technology that we work with on a daily basis is one of the single largest factors in the underlying success of our employees. Let’s look at this through the eyes of an event professional, shall we?