Has technology replaced respect in our workplace? Commentary by Pamela L. Dowell 55th Wing Equal Opportunity Office 3/7/2011 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (AFNS) -- My adult children are into the latest and greatest advancements in technology, such as smartphones and tablet PCs. These devices are made to elevate us from the burden of time-consuming actions such as hearing someone's voice or laughter, or even a sigh of sadness. We can use social media sites, texting, online chats and a long list of acronyms to communicate. My children want me to become technologically savvy, and I want a cell phone that calls people. We've come a long way in the communications arena from the telegraph to "OMG," ":-)" and "LOL." With all these new, wonderful ways to communicate, are we losing our ability to "show" respect to one another? When was the last time we actually listened to someone and truly heard them? Respect in the workplace isn't just about "thank you" and "please," although that's a start. Is there a chance technology is robbing us of our capacity to share ideas and opinions with others face to face? We are busy people. After all, it is 2011, and we must do more with less. But does that "less" equate to our lack of respect for our co-workers? We need to take time to hear new ideas, work through complex issues as a team, and be there to hear what may not be said. If we continue to live in a world of social media and text messages, how we can learn to respect the importance of both din and silence among our peers? I challenge each of you to make the "art of listening" your newest communication skill. You may find out that others want to listen to you as well.