Learning From Those We don’t Expect it From….
Some of the most intellectually stimulating conversations used to occur on my morning and evening commute with Jake.? At the time, I had about 30 minutes in the car to and from my office.? That was one hour of the day to engage in questions, observations, and reflections on life.? Many discussions centered on current events, which at that time included such topics as the troubling events in Egypt and other parts of Africa.? We discussed the latest technology news, much of it stemming from recent articles from Popular Science and Fast Company.? One particular day I remember discussing new business models and how it was disrupting various industries.? Conversations covered several different technology companies’ business models, particularly as they are discussed in the book, Business Model Generation (a book I highly recommend). We even discussed pop culture.
Learning from Bob Dylan
For instance, one particular day we started out discussing the musical genius of Bob Dylan as we listening to his songs for the entire commute.? We discussed the various genres’ he has worked in through his musical career.?? The conversation included the various artists who he has influenced through the years.? Much of our conversation was around the larger context from which Dylan drew his inspiration. His lyrics were an authentic reflection of our lives, both socially but also individually as well.?
In addition to Bob Dylan and other pop culture topics, our dialogue often centered around several of the more recent articles in the Harvard Business Review and the Blogs on the Harvard Business Review app.
That is to say, as a professor of Human Resource Development and OD consultant, I found these conversations intellectually stimulating and thought provoking. Jake would often pose hard questions and ask me about my assumptions. I was often challenged to defend and/or at times to rethink some of my long held beliefs.? This was both in terms of myself but also my beliefs around organizational functioning and organizational dynamics.? Much of these commuting discussions made their way into my teaching. They have also helped inform how I approach my consulting practice.
Unique Perspectives
Overall, our conversations were particularly refreshing because we were in different “professional fields” and are not in the same generational demographic.? It was these differences that infused a certain amount of dynamic tension in our conversations.? We came at our daily discussions from different and unique perspectives.
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Oh, I forgot to mention that my commute I am referring to was spent with my 15 year-old son, who at the time was a freshman in high school.? While our conversations now are far too infrequent, he (along with my other grown kids) continue to challenge me.? Each conversation holds special meaning, whether over serious topics around global challenges or social justice or less serious ones over the latest Netflix binges.
Keeping an Open Mind
I am reminded of some of the past conversations as I interact with my two stepchildren and my now grown four adult children.? Spending time together is essential. Making time for quality interactions creates the space for us to have deeper, meaningful conversations, even through such channels as Zoom and FaceTime.? Consider what you might learn from those with whom you interact with from different demographics and different backgrounds.? During these immense times of change and uncertainty, who in your life and your organization could you learn from?? Who could you be engaging in conversations that might reshape your thinking?? Look beyond the obvious, get out of your normal circle of peers who have your same experiences and same perspectives.? Be open to learning from those you least expect it!
Have a nice weekend!
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