Staying Fresh

In a Nutshell

Visual produced by Rotana Ty

Insights

A discussion with colleagues on the subject of learning. In a previous post, I highlighted the importance of curating our network and growing with people while learning and making sense together. However, beyond networks, perhaps this also matters:

“Content and communities are shaping how people find and connect with each other.”
— @GautamGhosh via @NewSocialLearn

I have recently been considering my experience and the issues raised in this conversation with @simbeckhampson, which began with reading his old blog post. The question is, “Do You Speak Data?”

“Less people will be required and those who remain will take on an analyst role to ensure predictions match human instinct.”

This is when humans work with machines for better decision making and impact, whether in healthcare, transportation, sustainable development or any other field.

This is the point at which humans work with machines to enhance decision-making and impact, whether in healthcare, transportation, sustainable development or any other field.

Paul then directed me to an article on Wired that was shared by @BruceMcTague.

“Fast forward 30 years. What advice do you think your future self would like you to know today? Thanks to @BruceMctague for the article and upcoming book tip.” https://www.wired.co.uk/article/yuval-noah-harari-extract-21-lessons-for-the-21st-century #education #futureskills #algorithm #change #control” — @simbeckhampson

The article provokes thought and offers a futuristic worldview that has resonated with many. I would like to share the summary that I shared on Twitter with Paul.

So it is about embracing: 1. not knowing 2. change as ‘we ain’t seen nothing yet’. 3. lifelong learning and social / knowledge flows 4. reinvention of ourselves. 1/2

+ 5. shaping our unique worldview and navigating the world. 6. unifying our fragmented selves. 7. self-assessing & improving ourselves continuously. 8. bringing back our humanity while breaking free from always-on technology. 2/2

Subsequently, Paul offered further insights and additional feedback.

“Excellent summary, you’ve picked up on all the main points. One thing that stuck in mind was the readiness needed to be able to reinvent at a moment’s notice (LLL) Also, the foresight that machines will eventually better the skills we thought untouchable. cc @BruceMctague” — @simbeckhampson

I would like to take a moment to unpack the points I made in my summary, adding some further thoughts.

Nudges

Embracing ‘Not knowing.’

This is a big one! As I wrote:

In a world that puts on the spotlights experts, saying I don’t know is also a sign of being vulnerable. To connect with someone who may not know your field, strengths, practices, mindset, toolset, worldview, in short, you.

By enabling someone else to share their questions and insights before I share mines, I am more attuned to new ideas and possible actions. 

In a nutshell, saying often ‘I don’t know’ is a way to trigger and cultivate my curiosity to know more about what I don’t know. It is a way to learn limitless and continuously. Isn’t it what true blue lifelong learner and explorer do? 

How about yourself? How do you embrace “I don’t know”?

When was the last time you let go of your expertise to figure it out on your own and with people?

Embracing change as ‘we ain’t seen nothing yet.’

With societal and digital mutations, shifting into a constant world is easier said than done.

Embracing lifelong learning & knowledge flows

As Jon Husband wrote:

“There just isn’t any choice other than continuous learning because ongoing change—permanent whitewater — is our only remaining constant.”

Reinventing ourselves

Another big one! While learning from innovation cultures, I have embraced creativity and multidisciplinarity.

What have been the key learnings from this work and learning journey so far?

I hanged out with different global remote teams for doing projects. I have learned from and with different hungry and curious minds. Learnabilities and cultures.

Shaping our unique worldview 

While trying to make sense of our world on our own and together, one can shape their unique worldview and share it. As Jay Cross wrote:

“For me, this cycle of pull-reflect-push is my contribution to the knowledge commons that is the Web. I believe in karma. I give to the Web and the Web gives back. I always receive more than I give.

In an organization, I think this process of seeking out and sharing meaning is a responsibility of enlightened social citizenship…”

Donella Meadows, the American environmental scientist, would say:

“The Dance

1. Get the beat.
2. Listen to the wisdom of the system.
3. Expose your mental models to the open air.
4. Stay humble. Stay a learner.
5. Honor and protect information.
6. Locate responsibility in the system.
7. Make feedback policies for feedback systems.
8. Pay attention to what is important, not just what is quantifiable.
9. Go for the good of the whole.
10. Expand time horizons.
11. Expand thought horizons.
12. Expand the boundary of caring.
13. Celebrate complexity.
14. Hold fast to the goal of goodness.”

For more, read on.

Unifying our fragmented selves

In my view, this is linked to the seven-item from Meadows. To achieve this, it is essential to understand one’s own strengths and weaknesses, and to be able to leverage the different skillsets of different individuals to create a unified and effective oneself.

Improving ourselves continuously

What can we learn from ourselves to enhance our learnability, leadership skills and beyond?

Without a clear understanding of our own motivations, behaviours and capabilities, it is challenging to bring coherence to our actions and restore our humanity in the current context.

Bringing back our humanity 

Which tiny habits have you developed and done over time to get back your humanity?

I do so in various ways. Learning from an exhibit via food and travelling. Being immersed fully right here and right now in each experience. Connectedness:

The key to success is to be curious about ourselves, focus on ourselves and improve ourselves. It is possible for anyone to achieve a clear mind, creativity and ideas while also maintaining good health and practising a sport.

It is possible for anyone to disconnect from the Internet and connect with nature. I refer to this as connectedness to oneself through one’s senses and heart. It is important to feel, touch and experience.

Embracing life with(out) screens and devices.

Are We Ready to Jump In?

“@rotanarotana: (…) One thing that stuck in mind was the readiness needed to be able to reinvent at a moment’s notice (LLL) Also, the foresight that machines will eventually better the skills we thought untouchable. cc @BruceMctague” — @simbeckhampson

“In times of change, learners inherit the Earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” — Eric Hoffer via @BruceMcTague

“And as times are always changing… #stayfresh #askquestions #seekanswers” — @simbeckhampson

Staying Fresh with Future Skills

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