The Age of Unreason

1. Discontinuous Change: The New Normal

We are entering an Age of Unreason, when the future, in so many areas, is there to be shaped, by us and for us; a time when the only prediction that will hold true is that no predictions will hold true; a time, therefore, for bold imaginings in private life as well as public, for thinking the unlikely and doing the unreasonable.

Embracing uncertainty. The world is experiencing rapid, unpredictable changes that require new ways of thinking and adapting. Traditional models of work, education, and societal structures are becoming obsolete.

Opportunity in disruption. While discontinuous change can be unsettling, it also presents opportunities for innovation and personal growth. Those who can adapt and think creatively will be best positioned to thrive in this new environment.

• Key areas of discontinuous change:
  • Technology and automation
  • Globalization
  • Shifting workforce demographics
  • Environmental challenges

2. The Shamrock Organization: Core, Contractors, and Contingent Workers

The shamrock organization is made up of three very different groups of people, groups with different expectations, managed differently, paid differently, organized differently.

Flexible workforce structure. The shamrock model divides an organization into three distinct groups: a core of essential full-time employees, a group of specialized contractors, and a flexible contingent workforce.

Adapting to changing needs. This structure allows organizations to be more agile and cost-effective, scaling their workforce up or down as needed. It also provides opportunities for individuals to work in ways that suit their lifestyles and preferences.

• Characteristics of each group:
  • Core: Essential, highly skilled, well-compensated
  • Contractors: Specialized expertise, project-based work
  • Contingent: Flexible, part-time, or temporary workers

3. The Federal Organization: Autonomy with Cooperation

Federalism seeks to make it big by keeping it small, or at least independent, by combining autonomy with cooperation.

Balancing independence and collaboration. Federal organizations combine the benefits of small, autonomous units with the resources and reach of larger entities. This structure promotes innovation and adaptability while maintaining overall coherence.

Empowering decision-making. By pushing authority and responsibility down to lower levels, federal organizations can respond more quickly to local needs and opportunities. This approach also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among employees.

• Key principles of federal organizations:
  • Subsidiarity: Decisions made at the lowest appropriate level
  • Shared identity and values
  • Clear boundaries between central and local responsibilities

4. The Triple I Organization: Intelligence, Information, and Ideas

The new formula for success, and for effectiveness, is I3 = AV, where I stands for Intelligence, Information and Ideas, and AV means added value in cash or in kind.

Knowledge-driven value creation. In the information age, organizations must leverage intelligence, information, and ideas to create value. This requires a shift from traditional hierarchies to more collaborative, learning-focused structures.

Cultivating a learning culture. Triple I organizations prioritize continuous learning and development, encouraging employees to share knowledge and experiment with new ideas. This approach helps organizations stay adaptive and innovative in rapidly changing environments.

• Characteristics of Triple I organizations:
  • Emphasis on intellectual capital
  • Continuous learning and development
  • Open communication and knowledge sharing
  • Tolerance for experimentation and failure

5. Portfolio Careers: Balancing Multiple Work Roles

A work portfolio is a way of describing how the different bits of work in our life fit together to form a balanced whole.

Diverse work experiences. Portfolio careers involve balancing multiple work roles, often combining traditional employment with freelance work, entrepreneurship, and personal projects. This approach allows individuals to diversify their skills and income streams.

Personalized career paths. By creating a portfolio career, individuals can tailor their work lives to their interests, skills, and values. This flexibility can lead to greater job satisfaction and work-life balance.

• Components of a portfolio career:
  • Wage work: Traditional employment
  • Fee work: Freelance or contract work
  • Homework: Domestic responsibilities
  • Gift work: Volunteer or community service
  • Study work: Ongoing learning and skill development

6. Re-inventing Education for Lifelong Learning

Education needs to be re-invented. Our schools first need to be re-designed for they are not immune to the principles of the shamrock or of federalism.

Adapting to new realities. Traditional education systems are ill-equipped to prepare individuals for the rapidly changing world of work. A new approach is needed that emphasizes lifelong learning, adaptability, and diverse forms of intelligence.

Personalized learning paths. Education should be tailored to individual needs and interests, with a focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This may involve a mix of traditional schooling, online learning, and practical experience.

• Key elements of re-invented education:
  • Emphasis on multiple forms of intelligence
  • Integration of technology and hands-on learning
  • Flexible, modular learning structures
  • Collaboration between educational institutions and employers

7. The Upside-Down Society: Adapting to New Realities

Upside-down thinking regards this as nonsense. We need more talents than the intellect, important though that is. Talent, we know, has many faces.

Challenging assumptions. To thrive in the Age of Unreason, we must be willing to question long-held beliefs and practices. This includes rethinking societal structures, government policies, and individual life choices.

Embracing diversity and flexibility. An upside-down society recognizes and values multiple forms of intelligence and contribution. It creates systems that support diverse work arrangements, lifelong learning, and individual empowerment.

• Potential changes in an upside-down society:
  • Universal basic income
  • Shift from income tax to expenditure tax
  • Flexible retirement and work arrangements
  • Integration of part-time professionals in various fields

Last updated: August 31, 2024