INDUSTRIAL MINDSET

Here is a short extract from my new book "Future of Work: From Industrial To Polymath Mindset".

The industrial mindset refers to a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices that emerged during the Industrial Revolution and have influenced work and education systems since. It’s astonishing that its features remain almost unchanged, even though we officially passed the Industrial Age long ago.

The Information Age, or Digital Age, marked a shift to an economy based on information technology, with the rise of computers, the internet, and digital communication. This evolved into the Knowledge Age, focusing on the creation, distribution, and application of knowledge, where intellectual capital became crucial. The Post-Industrial Age saw economies transition from manufacturing to service-oriented sectors like finance, healthcare, and education. The Experience Age emphasized user experience, personalized services, and customer engagement, with a notable rise in the gig economy. Currently, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, integrates advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, the Internet of Things, and big data, transforming production, logistics, and supply chains through smart factories and automation.?

And yet, when we look at the education system and large corporations, it’s clear the industrial mindset is like an old software program – outdated but still running in the background. Futurists have a great name for that - “used future”. Here are the characteristics of the industrial mindset.

Take a moment to reflect on them and ask yourself - why do we persist in this state?

Specialization?- workers are trained to perform specific tasks or roles within a larger production process. This division of labor aims to increase efficiency and productivity.

Standardization?-?processes and outputs are standardized to ensure uniformity and predictability. This includes standardized education systems, job roles, and production methods.

Hierarchical Structure?- organizations and institutions are typically structured in a top-down, hierarchical manner with clear lines of authority and control.

Efficiency and Productivity?- emphasis is placed on maximizing efficiency and productivity, often through repetitive tasks and time management techniques.

Mechanistic View?- the industrial mindset often views organizations and work processes as machines, with workers serving as interchangeable parts within a system.

Conformity and Compliance?- workers are expected to follow established procedures and guidelines, with limited space for creativity or deviation from the norm.

Long-Term Employment?- the industrial era was marked by stable, long-term employment arrangements, with clear career paths and job security.

Education for Employment?- educational systems are designed to prepare individuals for specific roles within the industrial economy, focusing on vocational skills and rote learning.

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The best illustration of this practice comes from 1916, when Ellwood P. Cubberley, Dean of the Stanford University School of Education, pointed out:

"Our schools are, in a sense, factories, in which the raw materials, children, are to be shaped and fashioned into products." The specifications for manufacturing come from the demands of 20th-century civilization, and it is the business of the school to build its pupils according to the specifications laid down."?

It hurts even to read these words, doesn’t it? Because this is not how we wish to have it today. Now is the time to shift to a mindset that corresponds to our era, meets the demands of our time, and aligns with our understanding of humanity. Most importantly, the rise of artificial intelligence compels us to rethink how we learn, communicate, work, and solve global challenges.

The industrial mindset has been increasingly challenged by the demands of the modern knowledge economy, which values creativity, adaptability, and interdisciplinary skills.

We urgently need a shift towards a mindset that encourages a broader range of knowledge and skills, and is seen as essential for thriving in the growing complexity of our world.

Ready to rethink work? "Future of Work: From Industrial to Polymath Mindset" explores how AI deployment is transforming the need for hyperspecialization.

By adopting a polymath mindset – where individuals master and integrate knowledge from several fields – we can release humanity’s most powerful asset: versatility. This is crucial for sparking innovation and tackling complex challenges. This book provides actionable insights for leaders and professionals in People & Culture, offering strategies to attract and nurture polymathic talent. Ideal for those willing to thrive in the complexities of a rapidly changing workforce.

Aksinya Staar is a Future of Work Strategist, Author, and Advisor. She wrote the popular book "Why Polymaths?" and is known as a thought leader in polymathy, a field dedicated to the study of multispecialists. With over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, management, and development, combined with her intensive engagement in AI Ethics, Aksinya offers a novel outlook on the future of work. Her broad, multidisciplinary approach brings innovative ideas and techniques to leadership and workplace practices.