In a recent interview, business author Seth Godin suggested that many aspects of our education and economic system have been structured around the idea that someone creates the most value when they are trained to perform a given task. Competent obedience emphasizes mental querying over the discovery of novel ideas, and may very well have been a scarce and valuable resource in a number of advanced and technical fields. As global connectivity brings billions of resourceful and ambitious people into an economy provisioned with instant access to the world's information, one may wonder how the 'do a trick, here's a treat' service may become commoditized.
As big complex organizations seek to grow shareholder value over trust and loyalty among customers and employees, they are less interested in rewarding the tricks, and the people who build lives around them end up living on the defense rather than the offense. Beyond its affect on the long term viability of their employees and customers, the companies themselves could be at risk. In the case of the S&P 500, the companies of 1960 could expect to remain on the index for 60+ years on average. By 2020, that number is estimated to be less than 20 years, and continue to approach 10 by 2030.
So how does one thrive in a rapidly connecting global economy? A convention-defying mindset may be among the best paths one can take. Early in their lives, the founders of Google, Ford, Amazon, and Wikipedia all benefited from a Motessori approach to education, which emphasizes indepdence, exploration and freedom over traditional didactic instruction. In 2015 findings by Wharton Professor Adam Grant, those who defy the status quo are much more likely to make significant contributions to mankind than those who demonstrate gifted and talented traits. By these measures, those who prioritize following directions become those who get left behind.
As big complex organizations seek to grow shareholder value over trust and loyalty among customers and employees, they are less interested in rewarding the tricks, and the people who build lives around them end up living on the defense rather than the offense. Beyond its affect on the long term viability of their employees and customers, the companies themselves could be at risk. In the case of the S&P 500, the companies of 1960 could expect to remain on the index for 60+ years on average. By 2020, that number is estimated to be less than 20 years, and continue to approach 10 by 2030.
So how does one thrive in a rapidly connecting global economy? A convention-defying mindset may be among the best paths one can take. Early in their lives, the founders of Google, Ford, Amazon, and Wikipedia all benefited from a Motessori approach to education, which emphasizes indepdence, exploration and freedom over traditional didactic instruction. In 2015 findings by Wharton Professor Adam Grant, those who defy the status quo are much more likely to make significant contributions to mankind than those who demonstrate gifted and talented traits. By these measures, those who prioritize following directions become those who get left behind.