I'm David Beckley

Here are the four questions I have come to believe are at the heart of using and developing technology for good in the world:

• How can technology be used to guard us against threats to our human nature?
• How can technology give us time back instead of taking it away?
• How can technology support us to strive to live by our values?
• How can technology build stronger communities and richer relationships with others?

I'm driven by three things:

• First, a deep desire for intellectual fulfillment and learning on a daily basis. I learn best by working with others that inspire and push me through critical reflection and dialogue. 
• Second, making time to read, write and reflect daily . I'm particularly interested in Buddhist philosophy, technology policy, and writing as a reflective practice. 
• Third, a desire to solve problems and when possible do good in the world. That means pursuing opportunities and connecting with organizations and people that want to leverage their business acumen and technical know-how to effect meaningful change. 

The culture and values of a team are inexorably linked to its ability to sustain itself over time and achieve real results.

What I admire when I see it:

• A culture that proactively engages with an agenda of social responsibility
• The presence of strong leaders that cultivate a shared vision towards something grand
• Autonomy and individual personalities are respected and encouraged
• Education and learning is highly valued and backed up by real financial investment 
• Access to data is democratized to enable decision-making at all levels
• Performance review processes are used that cultivate good-will
• The use of real-time feedback mechanisms that focus on growth and development
• A strong code of business ethics
• Organizations that focus on people's strengths, not their weaknesses
• A high value is placed on creating products and services that are elegant and precise

There are many systems to classify and describe a person's personality and strengths. If you're familiar with the "Insights" model I lead with Blue (analytic) and Red (directive). In the "StandOut" model I'm a Pioneer-Connector. My MBTI is INTJ.

My favorite model for the workplace though is the Gallup Clifton Strengths Finder. According to Gallup, people who understand their strengths "are best able to develop strategies to meet and exceed the demands of their daily lives, their careers, and their families."

Paraphrasing from Gallup, my top five strengths themes are:

• Relator - I enjoy close relationships with others and find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

• Strategic - I create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, I can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

• Intellection - I can be characterized by intellectual activity. I am introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

• Deliberative - I am best described by the serious care I take in making decisions or choices. I anticipate the obstacles.

• Responsibility - I take psychological ownership of what I say I will do. I am committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.