No. 23: All I Really Need to Know About the Future of Work I Learned from Dart Lindsley

Perhaps not absolutely everything, but Dart Lindsley has certainly occupied a central role in shaping my perspective on work and its future over the past couple of years. Dart's pod, "Work For Humans ," in particular, has been a welcome respite during my RTO commutes...

Beyond the wonderful guests Dart hosts and his unique outlook on 'work as a product' and 'employees as customers,' what truly captivates me is Dart's evident delight in speaking with his guests. In his thoughtful dialogues, you can discern the sheer joy in his voice, making it feel as though the pod is primarily his own pleasure, with us listeners as fortunate beneficiaries. His insatiable curiosity on a myriad of workplace topics reminds me of the innate curiosity we all possess as children, a trait that often diminishes as we grow older.

Dart's childlike inquisitiveness prompted me to reflect on kindergarten and, in turn, led me to recall Robert Fulghum and his bestselling book, 'All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten.' This cascade of thoughts encompassing curiosity, kindergarten, the future of work, employee experience, and the striking resemblance between Dart and Robert – to the point of Dart being Robert's twin or a younger brother – stirred a compelling idea: What if Dart were to craft an essay about the future of work, drawing inspiration from Robert's timeless kindergarten fundamentals?

Maybe it would read something like this:

In the not-so-distant future, the world of work will look vastly different from what we know today. The workplace of tomorrow will be a dynamic ecosystem where the lines between work and life blur, where bots might be our colleagues, and where the definition of a "career" becomes a fluid concept. But amidst all this change and complexity, the fundamental principles that will guide us through the future of work are remarkably simple, and many of them can be traced back to our earliest years in kindergarten.

Let's take a page out of Robert Fulghum's delightful book, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," and explore how these timeless lessons apply to the future of work and employee experience.

1. Share Everything: Kindergarten taught us that sharing is not just about toys and crayons; it's about sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences. In the future workplace, collaboration and knowledge-sharing will be paramount. Employees will thrive in environments where they willingly share their expertise, insights, and perspectives. It's not about hoarding information but fostering a culture of mutual support and growth.
2. Play Fair: In the world of work, fairness remains a fundamental principle. Whether it's in promotions, salary negotiations, or project allocation, fairness is the bedrock of employee trust. The future of work must prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a thriving and harmonious workplace.
3. Don't Hit People: Kindergarten wisdom reminds us of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. In the future, as diversity and inclusion take center stage, the workplace will require empathy and understanding. Leaders and employees alike will need to value the uniqueness of each individual, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and valued.
4. Put Things Back Where You Found Them: In a world where remote work and flexible schedules are the norm, it's easy to overlook the importance of tidiness. But keeping one's digital workspace organized and respecting shared resources will remain crucial. In the digital realm, this translates into data security and responsible use of technology.
5. Clean Up Your Own Mess: Kindergarten kids are taught to take responsibility for their actions. In the future of work, this means owning up to mistakes, learning from them, and actively seeking solutions. Accountability is essential for personal growth and the success of any organization.
6. Say You're Sorry When You Hurt Somebody: In the future, we will all make mistakes and face challenges. Admitting when you're wrong and apologizing will be vital to maintaining healthy working relationships. A culture that values humility and forgiveness will foster resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
7. Flush: Insert your own interpretation here _______. (Or share a thought in the comments section.)
8. Live a Balanced Life: The future workplace will be more demanding than ever, with technology blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. It will be essential to remember the importance of balance, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being. Healthy, happy employees are more productive and creative.
9. Take a Nap Every Afternoon: While the concept of napping at work may not be universally accepted, the idea of taking breaks and nurturing creativity and wellness will persist. In the future, we'll recognize the value of rest and relaxation for productivity and overall satisfaction.
10. Learn Some and Think Some and Draw and Paint and Sing and Dance and Play and Work Every Day: Kindergarten is a place of exploration and creativity. In the future of work, continuous learning and personal development are essential. Embracing change and staying curious will be key to thriving in a rapidly evolving job market.
11. Be Aware of Wonder: In the fast-paced world of work, we sometimes forget to pause and appreciate the wonder of what we do. Whether it's solving complex problems or simply enjoying the journey, nurturing a sense of wonder and curiosity will be vital to fostering innovation and job satisfaction.
12. Hold Hands and Stick Together: Finally, the future of work will be about unity and solidarity. As we face the challenges of the digital age, we'll need to support each other, forming tight-knit teams and communities that can weather any storm.

The future of work may be filled with technological advancements and complex challenges, but the guiding principles remain as simple and profound as the lessons we learned in kindergarten. By embracing these timeless values and applying them to the ever-evolving workplace, we can create a future where work is not just about survival but about thriving, learning, belonging, and growing together.

So, as you embark on your journey into the world of work, remember the wisdom of kindergarten, and you'll find your way in the ever-changing landscape of tomorrow's workplace.

Explore Further

As I mentioned, there are several others that have shaped my view of the past and the future of work. If you are curious, please explore these other modern day, future of work thought leaders: Thomas Bertels , David Henkin , JP Elliott, PhD , Tonille Miller , Steve Hunt , Tina DeSalvo , Ryan Anderson , Annie Dean , Mark LeBusque , Melissa Swift , Al Dea , Tyler Lay .

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