Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Athletes are wearing encyclopedia’s on their wrists (some call them wristcoach). The device helps the memory at critical moments. Why can’t the rest of us wear them?

We have all seen these on TV for the past several years. They are great big wrist bands that have all the plays or something on them. The coach sends a number, the player looks up the number on the wrist gadget, and they have the play. Some call these things “wristcoach.”

The player is under pressure, tired, nervous, having a tough day. They should be able to remember things like what number is what play, but given the stress, they have this big thing to remind them. Some of these players are paid $30 million a year. They admit their memory is not perfect.

What about the rest of us? We have days when we are tired, under pressure, have people yelling at us, etc. Our memory fails us. Why can’t we wear a wristcoach that contains all the things we know we should do, but sometimes forget? If $30-million-a-year persons can admit their memory failings, why can’t we?

Our wristcoaches can contain simple things: sit up straight, don’t tug your collar. They can contain complex things: the list of AI models and their standard uses.

But we bring notebooks to meetings. Yes, but will I remember what page has the information I need? Will I remember to look at my notebook? And when I am in the hallway and confronted by monsters, will I have my notebook with me? I would have my wristcoach on me.

Look silly? How silly does that $30-million-a-year quarterback look?