Scots genius helps, but can we defy history and work together?

I remember years ago reading a book in which the Scots were listed second to the Jews in the high incidence of genius in the Nation's population. That means we can afford a few more numpties without taking our average down.

But then it also described our almost unique propensity to form splinter groups when we try to cohese. Perhaps it's why so many Scots excel in individual sports and fall apart in teams. History bears that out and in almost every era it is individual Scots who have shone - here and abroad.

The problem is this. At a time of great political, economic and social challenge we need to act together and work across traditional boundaries. No amount of flag waving will help. We have neither the time nor the space for sentiment, organisational egos or straitjacketed thinking. Nicola Sturgeon rightly talks of 'Show not tell' in her current approach. She will also know that we may have to divert from well established processes. This is a window of opportunity like no other I can remember and if we do not grasp the thistle now, future generations will be unforgiving.

I remember speaking at a London event four years ago. Just before me was a speaker from Google who told us that the company was working on the assumption that only 10% of what they were doing at that time would exist in ten years. A 90% churn in just 10 years. Are we that nimble footed? Can we make change happen with that rapidity? Not on current form. When someone has a great idea, do we back them or pick holes?

Too many complexity sellers in our midst? Absolutely. Those of us seeking fast, imaginative and bold solutions and trying to make things happen have found our feet knee deep in quicksand. Gatekeepers, form fillers, slaves to bureacracy - these hurdles are unnecessary at the best of times. But now?

Dominic Cummings has said one thing that I agree with: "We need more mavericks and creative thinkers around Government." "Not like him." You might interject. I would agree. You also don't have to remind me that his first appointee under that policy was an avowed eugenecist who lasted no more than a couple of days.

But he is right in that we need different skills to be applied to the challenges we face from education and the environment to business growth. Lateral thinking is needed in spades. Collaborations must be made to work with a 'don't leave the room until you have agreed a positive plan of action' urgency. This is a country rich in diverse talents and I know leaders across communities who have eschewed traditional approaches to ensure that their impact on population and economy is high in value.

We need to draw out our genius and stick together like never before. Are you with me?

If so, why not book my Zoom webinar on Influencing, this Wednesday at 12noon. Details on this page.