April 11, 2025 - This week’s notables

Copilot and Mindfulness!

Upcoming Events

We're excited to welcome you—just make sure to set your GPS to 143 Cedar Ln. Glenmoore, PA 19343 (avoid Cedar Ridge Ln) for the best route straight to the fun!

Infrastructure & Support  

Mondays always seem to put technology to the test! The INW support team jumped into action first thing, resolving a variety of issues to keep things running smoothly for our clients. A recent SharePoint migration came with a hiccup as permissions weren't set up correctly, blocking user access. Our team got to work, manually fixing the permissions. We also dealt with several equipment issues reported by end users, including what turned out to be an unplugged power supply and a driver glitch affecting external display functions, and configuration of a new laptop for an overseas user.

A common challenge we often see is when users need to switch to the Microsoft Authenticator app for Multi-Factor Authentication. Additionally, you might encounter issues if your authentication phone gets upgraded or replaced. If you're having trouble with authentication, contact us for assistance!

Finally, we're still facing ongoing phishing threats as reported by our contacts. Stay vigilant about emails asking for details or containing attachments or links. Don't click or download from unknown senders. Even if you know the sender, verify their email address if it seems off. If you're unsure, reach out to the sender directly to confirm their email's authenticity. To boost awareness, we're organizing phishing simulations for customer accounts with this feature. These simulations are a fantastic tool to spotlight the issue and teach system users what to look out for in today's constantly changing threat environment.

Information Radiation

The Impact of Communication Style in Digital Interactions

In today's digital age, communication etiquette is more important than ever. Discussions have highlighted how digital communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the need to be mindful of how messages are perceived. It's crucial to ask questions or make requests in a way that does not belittle or bully the recipient, as it is easy to unintentionally come across as rude. Personal experiences have served as reminders to be more mindful of communication.

People in positions of authority need to be especially careful with their communication, as it is easy to assume that others are there to serve their needs, which can lead to disrespectful interactions. To help mitigate these issues, using tools like Copilot to write messages, particularly when feeling emotional or stressed, can be beneficial. Copilot can rephrase messages in a more nurturing way, making communication more effective. Writing emails in a stream of consciousness can sometimes come across as impersonal, and using Copilot to add a more emotional and caring tone to messages can foster more respectful and effective digital interactions.

By being mindful of our communication style and utilizing helpful tools, we can enhance our digital communication and avoid misunderstandings.

Copilot can be a valuable tool in addressing various communication challenges, enhancing the clarity, tone, and effectiveness of your messages. Here are some ways Copilot can assist:

Enhancing Clarity and Precision

One common challenge in communication is ensuring that your message is clear and precise. Copilot can help by suggesting more concise and straightforward language, reducing ambiguity and making your intentions clear. For example, if your initial draft is too vague or complex, Copilot can rephrase it to be more direct and understandable.

Improving Tone and Empathy

Digital communication can sometimes come across as impersonal or harsh. Copilot can help soften the tone of your messages, adding a more empathetic and nurturing touch. This is particularly useful when you're feeling emotional or stressed and might unintentionally write in a blunt manner. Copilot can rephrase your messages to ensure they convey care and consideration.

Facilitating Collaboration

Effective collaboration often requires clear and respectful communication. Copilot can help you draft messages that encourage teamwork and cooperation. By suggesting language that is inclusive and supportive, Copilot can foster a positive collaborative environment.

Managing Emotional Responses

When dealing with sensitive topics or conflicts, it's easy to let emotions influence your communication. Copilot can help you manage these emotional responses by providing neutral and balanced language, helping to de-escalate potential conflicts and maintain a constructive dialogue.