8 Stars
- Hardcover: 272 pages
- Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (March 24, 2005)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1573223085
- ISBN-13: 978-1573223089
In this book, Pink talks about humanity's transition into the next age.
Ages: Agricultural (strength) --> Industrial(Machines) --> Information(knowledge worker) --> Conceptual(holistic thinking)
Our transition is fueled by the 3 As:
1) Abundance - from fulfillment shifting from utility(meeting basic needs) to experential(meeting wants)
2) Asia - outsourcing and growing competitiveness
3) Automation - increasingly sophisticated computers to replace routine jobs
Pink discusses that in order to stay relevant and ahead, we just develop our mind holistically - shifting our emphasis on the left brain more to the right brain.
The differences between the 2 halves are:
The differences between the 2 halves are:
1. One controls the opposite side of the body
2. Left - sequential, right - simultaneous
3. Left - text, right -context
4. Left - details, right - big picture
To develop the right side to meet the increasingly vigourous needs of the future, Pink suggests to hone our 6 senses of the right brain. These 6 senses are separate but they are closely linked and overlapped. Pink also adds a portfolio segment at the end of each 'senses' chapter on how to develop that particular sense.
(1) Design
It is illustrated that the world is moving beyond functionality to something that adds in an engaging experiential component to life. Design can only make the difference between 2 products with the same function. To develop this, we can diversify our learning, don't conform to the masses, be choosy and to learn how to be creative.
(2) Story
We remember details better if they are part of a bigger story due to the emotion factor. Such engaging experiences will only attract.
(3) Symphony
This is the ability to synthesize than analyze. Seeing relationships, connecting different parts, recognising the bigger picture and creating new from old are ways to be different. This is something a computer cannot do. We ought to practice drawing, being metaphorical and keep asking 'why nots' instead of 'why'.
(4) Emphathy (feel bad with; different from sympathy - feel bad for)
The ability to connect with people is increasingly being recognised as a necessary trait in a globalising world. This can be seen in the need for people-skills in job recruitment as well. We can hone this skill by volunteering and putting ourselves in people's shoes constantly.
(5) Play
It is a trend that people are seeking work that are more 'play'. Passion is the key word. Entertainment is one of the largest industry and merging it with work to value-add gives greater incentive for people to seek this course.
Humor is equally important to develop meaningful relationships and creating better lives.
(6) Meaning
There is an increasing connection with our work and something spiritual. The need to connect with something deeper gives meaning to our experience in life. We can hone this by dedicating work to some cause or to show gratitude daily.
The book is summarised into 3 questions:
1. Can someone do what you are doing for cheaper?
2. Can a computer do what you are doing faster?
3. Are you offering something what others cannot?
Posts
