Top Business Skills For Our Future, Part 2
May 25, 2009
This is the second in my three-part survey of leaders from around the world who answered this question: “Everyone is concerned about how to survive in these tough times, but YOU are someone that lives bigger than just these times. When you peer into the future, what is the number one skill you see that we need for the future?”
From Doug Lipman, Edmond, OK
The number one skill I see needed for the future of our society is the ability to create new social structures based on mutually beneficial relationships. Why? Our existing social structures are largely based on profit. This can’t be sustained indefinitely, since profit demands an exponential increase (e.g.,8% per year, which amounts to doubling every 10 years), whereas actual value increases more slowly and some resources are fixed or even declining (e.g., fossil fuels). In effect, we’re working a “pyramid scheme” on the world. Such schemes always self-destruct in time.
What new structures do we need? We can’t predict what new societal structures will arise as the existing ones crumble. But relationships based on trust and respect will survive. In time, they can even evolve into new institutions.
So what does it take to create new social structures? First, we need the ability to understand and express our own point of view. Second, we need the ability to deeply listen to others, so that we understand differing points of view. Third, we need the ability to create expanded perspectives that include both parties’ points of view. Finally, we need the ability to create solutions, bridges, and adaptations that work for everyone within that perspective. For example, suppose you need support in your work as an artist. First, you need to be able to explain exactly what your true needs are (e.g., other artists to bounce ideas off, audiences to communicate with, modest physical resources of food, etc.). Further, let’s suppose you are trying to build a mutually supportive relationship with someone who sees her needs as including the inspiration that your artworks might potentially provide.
Second, you need to listen well to understand the exact needs of this person – and what she is happy to provide in return, such as money (that’s an easy one, at least at the start) or sharing your work with her friends (this takes more creativity on your part, if you expect to fully benefit from it).
Third, you need to find a perspective that includes both of your needs. For example, how does that person’s need for inspiration relate to her energy for sharing inspiring artwork? How might all that relate to your exact needs for audiences? Finally you have the option to create a mechanism for enabling your mutual benefit. For example, you might create a blog or other website that she can bring her friends to and which you contribute examples of your art.
As this simple example shows, the ability to create new social structures demands several sub-abilities, including imagination, empathy, inventiveness and creativity. No one person needs to have all the sub-abilities. But we all need to create and join communities in which individuals with the component abilities and energies can give part of what they have to offer and get part of what they need.
People have been using these abilities since the beginning of time. Now, in a time of transition, these are the abilities that can most protect us from the crumbling of exploitative structures and can also hasten the emergence of mutually beneficial ones.
“The Storytelling Coach”
www.storydynamics.com
From Nina East, Chapel Hill, NC
You have to be able to show that you care – which means you actually have to care in the first place (not just have the appearance of caring) and be able to communicate this in genuine ways. Ultimately it all comes down to relationship. People who build meaningful relationships are the ones who will thrive in the future.
Founder, Personal Growth Princess
www.PersonalGrowthPrincess.com
From Matthew Lynch, Chestnut Hill, PA
There is so much change happening so quickly that people must remain adaptable. Stubborness will mean certain disaster. Those people that find themselves in the unemployment line must learn new skills if they want to begin working again. Also, the financial services industry has seen many large buy-outs and mergers. People have to be willing to do away with their old daily routines, and adapt to the changes that will inevitably come with the marriage of two companies. The most successful people adapt and overcome.
Assistant Manager, TD Bank North
www.tdbank.com
From Sue Painter, Knoxville, TN
When I peer into the future, the number one skill I see that we need for the future is collaboration with others. The new model of doing business is a collaborative model. After many years of competitiveness and on-upmanship, we’ve found the downsides of that model for business. The businesses that will thrive most in the next decade are those that are transpararent and know how to work with their customers and even with their competitors in strongly collaborative partnership. On the personal side, collaboration is a winning behavior, too. It leads to much more openness and thus more possibilities in our lives with family, friends and community.
President and Founder, The Confident Marketer
www.confidentmarketer.com
From Amy Edleman, Chestnut Hill, PA
Glad to offer my opinion. The skills that I believe business owners need to have is the ability to change and adapt. Whether it’s new technology, new products that a younger generation is interested in or responding to current events and applying them to business.
We began to take steps to become a Green certified bakery several months ago. Customers are more aware of environmental issues and support our efforts by recycling and even bringing their own bags. Our steps to reduce waste, water and energy have positively affected our bottom line.
Owner, Night Kitchen Bakery
www.NightKitchenBakery.com, http://greeninchestnuthill.blogspot.com
Read on to Part 3 for more number one skills
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Interesting information!!
Thanks for sharing.