In today’s workplace, where digital transformation reshapes every industry, technological competence is no longer optional – it’s essential. For the modern elder, digital fluency represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Rather than viewing technology as the exclusive domain of younger generations, experienced professionals who develop digital fluency unlock powerful new ways to share their accumulated wisdom and extend their professional impact well into the future.

Today’s article is the third of a 12-part exploration of the Modern Elder’s core competencies distilled from my 40+ year career journey. In the case of Digital Fluency, I’m going to suggest the skill goes beyond basic technical competence. It’s a holistic approach that combines technological comfort, continuous learning, and the ability to critically evaluate how digital tools can enhance professional effectiveness. The modern elder approaches technology not as an intimidating frontier, but as a powerful extension of their professional capabilities.

Breaking Through Technology Hesitation

Many experienced professionals feel overwhelmed by technological change. The key is to reframe technology as a tool for connection and impact, rather than a barrier. Start by identifying specific professional objectives that technology can help achieve. Whether it’s improving communication, streamlining workflow, or reaching new audiences, technology becomes less intimidating when viewed through the lens of practical problem-solving.

Psychological barriers often present the greatest hurdle. The fear of appearing incompetent or making public mistakes can paralyze even the most accomplished professionals. Modern elders overcome this by adopting a learner’s mindset – approaching technology with the same curiosity and resilience they’ve applied to other professional challenges throughout their careers. As leadership expert Brené Brown notes, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change” – a principle that applies perfectly to digital learning.

Continuous Learning Strategies

Digital fluency requires an intentional learning approach:

• Embrace bite-sized learning through online courses and tutorials
• Seek guidance from younger colleagues
• Experiment with new tools in low-stakes environments
• Connect technological skills to existing professional strengths

Successful modern elders often create personal learning plans that identify key technologies relevant to their field and establish reasonable milestones. Many find that 15-20 minutes of daily practice yields better results than occasional intensive sessions. I have created a “digital learning circle” with peers, where I can share discoveries, troubleshoot problems, and celebrate small victories together.

I enjoy weekly meetings with two individuals who are leaders in the operations excellence and financial management departments of their respective companies. Though our primary relationship is one of a disciple-making nature, our conversations almost always include events in their work environment, and those events are often technology driven. I am grateful for that ongoing learning!

Essential Digital Skills Worth Mastering

While specific technical needs vary by profession, certain digital competencies provide universal value:

• Cloud-based collaboration tools
• Basic data analysis and visualization
• Digital communication platforms
• Content creation fundamentals
• Information security awareness

Digital Fluency in Action

Using my most recent job at Auxano/Lifeway as a foundation for exploring the above competencies, here are examples for each:

• Auxano was founded as a virtual company in 2004; when I joined as the first “new” employee after the Lifeway acquisition in 2012, that only expanded. Cloud-based tools pioneered by 37signals were a daily part of life as I worked on the SUMS Remix project, connecting real-time with my supervisor in TN, the graphic designer in TX, and the editor in AL.
• With responsibilities for our website, four social media platforms, and digital engagement tools, I created weekly, monthly, and annual data analysis for review by supervisors. This in turn guided our continual improvement in all of the platforms.
• As a virtual company with team members coast-to-coast, digital internal communication platforms were the lifeblood of our collaborative work. It was not unusual for me to launch a project early in the morning, have members chime in as they came on line as the day progressed, and wrap it up at the end of the day with participation from team members in all four U.S. time zones.
• Auxano’s marketing strategy was driven by producing content in all forms, including: long form articles on our websites, periodic eBooks, daily social media posts on four different platforms, monthly webinars, and regular targeted email campaigns to various segments of our database. The primary platform for all this was Pardot (later acquired by Salesforce and renamed Marketing Cloud). From my assigned role in this beginning in 2013 to my last action prior to leaving Auxano/Lifeway, content creation was a constant presence AND learning opportunity.
• As Lifeway moved into increasingly digital activities over the years, I became the designated Auxano team member responsible for our information security awareness. Whether working with our website host, specific platform components, or with Lifeway, security and compliance issues became a regular part of my job.

Balancing Technology and Human Connection

The most effective digital fluency isn’t about mastering every new app, but about understanding which technologies genuinely enhance human interaction and organizational goals. Modern elders bring a crucial perspective – knowing when to leverage digital tools and when personal interaction remains most effective.

This discernment represents one of the modern elder’s most valuable contributions. Having witnessed technological evolution firsthand, I am learning to distinguish between transformative innovations and passing trends. From my first college computer programming class in 1977 using punch cards to today’s pervasive presence of an app for anything, this perspective helps me go avoid “shiny object syndrome” – the tendency to adopt technologies without clear purpose or strategic alignment.

Technology as an Amplifier of Wisdom

I consider technology not as a replacement for experience, but as a megaphone for my professional insights. Social media platforms have extended my thought leadership, project management tools make my expertise more accessible, and digital collaboration spaces help me mentor – and be mentored – beyond physical boundaries.

The journey toward digital fluency is ongoing – technology continually evolves, requiring all professionals to adapt regardless of career stage. However, the modern elder brings a unique advantage to this journey: perspective. By combining technological capability with decades of experience, modern elders create an unmatched synthesis of innovation and wisdom. This powerful combination doesn’t just extend professional relevance; it transforms experienced professionals into indispensable guides who can help organizations navigate both technological possibilities and human realities with equal skill.

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