Unleashing the Authentic Creator

Reimagining Potential in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Have you ever harboured the idea that you were naturally a bit of a 'Jack(or Jane)-of-all-trades'?

Did you ever feel you have a better ‘helicopter view’ than many around you?? Do you ever make unusual connections across the organisational silos?? Do you ever feel that your creativity and value, mostly comes from the broad knowledge that you have?

In an era where specialisation is often hailed as the key to success, you probably played your flexibility down.

Perhaps you doubted your own 'skill set' in the face of evidence that generalisation was not particularly valued.

But what if I told you that having a diverse range of skills and knowledge is not only valuable but increasingly crucial in today's world? Enter the concept of multipotentiality – the ability to excel in multiple fields and disciplines.

Multipotentiality

Multipotentiality is more than just being a 'Jack-of-all-trades'. It's about having the capacity to master many areas, to see connections between seemingly disparate fields, and to bring a unique perspective to problem-solving.

The term was first coined in the Book by Emilie Wapnick

"How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up"

And in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Knowledge Management, and Second Brain software, it seems that multipotentiality is becoming more important than ever.

The Educational Straightjacket

To understand why multipotentiality is valuable, let's consider where we came from.

Formal compulsory education is a relatively new concept, introduced in most European countries in the late 1800s. Prussia was an early adopter, implementing compulsory schooling in 1763. But just think for a second, even as recently as the 1970s and 1980s, corporal punishment and rote learning were still prevalent in some modern countries, like the UK.

Our education system is designed to mold us into specialists, to fit us into predetermined roles in the workforce. Schools and universities teach conformity and focus, preparing us for the 'world of work'.

This rigid approach to education leaves behind a trail of misfits, rebels, eccentrics, rule breakers, and square pegs. Those who don't fit the mold are left feeling disillusioned and undervalued. (Cue Working Class Hero and Another Brick in the Wall, not to forget the Logical Song)

I’d argue that the strictures and structures of education affected many baby boomers.? It instilled in them many habits, for example discipline, structure, conformance, formality, standardisation and so on. Not bad in themselves, unless you consider the impact on things like creativity, individualised or free thinking, and obtaining a generalist body of knowledge across various and sometimes seemingly unconnected disciplines.

The psychological impact of misguided education on adults cannot be understated.

While educationalists may argue that they are aware of these challenges and have initiatives in place to address them, the question remains: are they doing enough? Are they changing fast enough? And are they adequately preparing students for the future?

The Need for Constant Change

As I often tell my 10-year-old son, "Hey buddy, cut me some slack, I've never been a father of a ten-year-old before. It's all new to me."

While I can draw on wisdom and experience from his previous years and my own past, what I'm really saying is, "Let's evolve together. Let's treat each interaction as an opportunity to find the best way forward, rather than relying solely on old frameworks."

This is the attitude towards change that I believe education should embody but often fails to do so.

In a rapidly evolving world, particularly with the advent of AI, adaptability and the ability to learn and relearn are crucial skills.

The Rise of AI and the Value of Multipotentiality

AI is transforming the landscape of work and knowledge management. As AI become increasingly capable of performing specialised tasks, the value of human skills lies in our ability to think creatively, and to to make connections.

This is where multipotentiality really becomes important. Those with diverse skill sets are uniquely positioned to thrive in the age of AI. They can bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving, and identifying opportunities at the intersection of disciplines.

Moreover, AI is beginning to exhibit multipotential capabilities. They are demonstrating proficiency across various domains and making relevant connections. As these systems become more advanced, they will increasingly require human collaborators who can think across disciplines and find innovative ways to leverage AI's capabilities.

Nurturing Multipotentiality

So, how can we foster multipotentiality in a world still largely geared towards specialisation?

We can stop forcing students into narrow paths. We need to create learning environments that encourage exploration, creativity, and cross-disciplinary thinking.

This means moving away from rigid curricula and standardized testing and towards personalised learning, project-based work, and opportunities for students to pursue their diverse interests.

It means recognizing that there is more than one path to success and that the ability to navigate between disciplines is a strength, not a weakness.

Beyond education, we need to create work environments that value and nurture multipotentiality. This involves rethinking traditional job descriptions and career paths, providing opportunities for continuous learning and development, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

We need to allow people to find their creative voice, follow their intuition and express their true self through creative endeavours. (Think AI handling all the specialisation and UBI, and you get the picture)

Above all, we have to celebrate the mavericks, the risktakers and the people who are authentically, innately and automatically creative. (The cannot help themselves)

Brilliant creativity comes from authenticity.

The Authentic Creator

The Authentic Creator is a creative multipotentialite identity that individuals can discover within themselves.

The concept of The Authentic Creator is particularly relevant in the context of the growing awareness of multipotentiality and the increasing value placed on creativity and innovation in various fields. As individuals are encouraged to embrace their diverse interests and skills, The Authentic Creator archetype serves as a model for those seeking to navigate their creative journey with integrity and self-awareness.

This idea is rooted in the belief that authenticity is essential for meaningful and impactful creative work.

Key characteristics of The Authentic Creator

1. Embracing uniqueness: Authentic Creators celebrate their individuality and are not afraid to stand out from the crowd. They recognize that their distinct perspective is what makes their creative work valuable and original.
2. Following intuition: Authentic Creators trust their instincts and use their intuition as a guiding force in their creative process. They are in tune with their inner voice and allow it to direct their artistic choices.
3. Letting go of perfectionism: Authentic Creators understand that perfectionism can be a hindrance to their creative expression. They prioritize staying true to themselves over adhering to external standards of perfection.
4. Embracing experimentation: Authentic Creators are not afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas and techniques. They view the creative process as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
5. Seeking personal truth: Authentic Creators strive to express their personal truth through their work. They create from a place of honesty and vulnerability, which allows them to connect with others on a deeper level.

Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to automate has highlighted the importance of human creativity and authenticity. And as AI becomes more advanced, it is the unique perspective and authentic voice of human creators that will continue to set them apart and provide value in an increasingly automated world.

By embodying the qualities of The Authentic Creator, individuals can not only find greater fulfilment in their creative pursuits but also contribute to a more diverse and meaningful creative landscape. As we move into an era where creativity and authenticity are increasingly valued, The Authentic Creator archetype serves as a reminder of the power and importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures and expectations.

Cognitive Diversity and Multipotentiality

The relationship between multipotentiality and the increasing awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and neurodivergence is a multifaceted topic that intertwines aspects of psychology, career development, and educational strategies. This connection is becoming increasingly relevant as our understanding of neurodiversity expands, highlighting the unique strengths and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD. How multipotentiality intersects with neurodivergence, particularly in terms of cognitive diversity, adaptability, and the pursuit of multiple interests, is for a much larger debate.

If you cannot help but notice, the rise in ADHD interest and diagnosis, you might be tempted to posit a connection between ADHD labelling and Multipotentialite.

Suffice to say, the intersection of multipotentiality with the increasing awareness of ADHD and neurodivergence highlights the importance of recognising and valuing cognitive diversity. By embracing the strengths of neurodivergent multipotentialites, such as their adaptability, innovative thinking, and wide-ranging interests, society can foster environments where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. This perspective not only challenges traditional norms around career and education but also promotes a more inclusive understanding of human potential.

The Future Belongs to the Creative

In a world where change is the only constant, where AI is redefining what's possible, and where complex problems require innovative solutions, the future belongs to the multipotentialite.

By embracing our diverse skills and knowledge, by seeing the connections between fields, and by continuously learning and adapting, we can not only thrive in the age of AI but also shape a future that values the unique contributions of the multifaceted human mind.

So, to all the 'Jacks-of-all-trades' out there, I say this: your time has come!

Embrace your multipotentiality, for it is not a weakness but a superpower.

The world needs your diverse perspectives, your ability to bridge disciplines, and your capacity for creative problem-solving.

Together, let us reimagine what's possible and unlock the full potential of the human-AI collaboration. The future is yours to change.

Next year my son will be telling me, "Hey Dad, I've never been eleven before, let's work together to find the perfect evolution" He is much more authentic than I and ten times as creative.