Ode to the Gadget

I am a gadget freak. There, I said it. For the most part, I’ve been able to tame my affliction and not let it drive my life. But every once in awhile, like when a new, cool gadget is close to being released but hasn’t been yet, I find myself fully engulfed in the symptoms of a full blown case of gadget-itis. Okay, deep breath…

My friends are peripherally aware of this problem; my wife is the one who has to live with it the most. She’s good about humoring me at the right times, saying the right things, while not really understanding the depth of my pain. The fact that she could have all my cast off - once cool and new - gadgets doesn’t even phase her.

This latest outbreak is being caused by the imminent - NOT SOON ENOUGH - release of the Blackberry Storm. The first touch screen Blackberry chock full of features that allow it to compete with the iPhone - but with the business apps and enterprise features the iPhone lacks. I already pre-ordered one from Best Buy and the internet rumors say it will be available next week. Next week, not today. Arrgh! Deeeep breaaath…

I have often wondered why more employers don’t use this gadget affliction to motivate their people. I am not the only one so possessed. An employer could structure a “gadget allowance” into comp plans and probably increase retention rates dramatically. I know it would have kept me in place longer at several employers. It was always a struggle for me to have outdated technology (gadgets) while my clients had all the new cool stuff.

I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve discussed this with colleagues and friends over the years and they all agree. Employee compensation is not always about the salary and bonus. It’s often the additional benefits that motivate people the most. Car allowance, reasonable mileage reimbursement, golf outings, travel perks, gadget allowance - what do you think?

Gotta’ go - If you need me, I’ll be surfing the web for the latest Storm information while standing in line at Best Buy.