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November 2005 A Whole New Mind:
Moving from the Pink suggests that we are entering a new age, a different way of thinking and a whole new approach to work and to life. Pink gives the reader an overview of the differences between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body, is good at recognizing sequential / serial events, specializes in text and analyzes the details. The right hemisphere of the brain controls the left side of the body, interprets things simultaneously, specializes in context and synthesizes the big picture. Leading a healthy and successful life depends on both hemispheres of the brain. During the Information Age, more attention and value was placed on the left hemisphere. In the Conceptual Age however, the right hemisphere abilities are going to make the difference to our sustainability and success. Pink gives the reader some hard data on three social and economic forces that are changing work situations – Abundance, Asia and Automation. Abundance: Pink suggests that our left brains have created abundance but our purchases have become right brained. “For businesses, it’s no longer enough to create a product that’s reasonably priced and adequately functional. It must also be beautiful, unique and meaningful.” Asia: Asia is performing significant amounts of routine left-brained, white-collar work at lower costs so numerous contracts are sent overseas. Pink suggests that right-brained abilities, that can’t be ‘shipped overseas’, must be mastered. Automation: Many routine functions are being turned over to machines, influencing the work of physicians, lawyers, computer programmers and others. The challenge is for these professionals to develop aptitudes that computers can’t do better, faster or cheaper. High Concept, High Touch Pink outlines the six essential abilities – the Six Senses - that we will need to be successful and have a sustainable business in the coming age. They are Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play and Meaning. Design: Design requires the whole mind. “Design is a high-concept that is difficult to outsource or automate – and that increasingly confers a competitive advantage in business.” New products, services and experiences must move beyond being functional to being beautiful or emotionally engaging. Story: Our story is context enriched by emotion. Telling stories is “a key way for individuals and entrepreneurs to distinguish their goods and services in a crowded marketplace.” We must move beyond knowledge to listen to each other and be the author of our own life. Symphony: Symphony takes us beyond focus and specialization toward synthesis – “seeing the big picture and, crossing boundaries, being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting new whole.” Empathy: Empathy is the ability to relate to what another person is feeling and experiencing and to have a heart connection. “What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others.” Play: In life and at work, we all need to have some degree of playfulness to foster our well-being. “Ample evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games, and humor.” Meaning: The search for meaning and our purpose in life is a drive that exists in all of us. The world of plenty has “freed hundreds of millions of people from day-to-day struggles and liberated us to pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence and spiritual fulfillment.” “Anyone can master the six Conceptual Age senses. But those who master them first will have a huge advantage.” The choice is yours. |