Australia’s jobs market highly gender-segregated, little change over past 20 years(Shouldn’t our employment space change in the presence of a changing world filled with robots and applications of artificial intelligence)
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- Are Australian households on the edge of a debt crisis?( Do we lack consciousness on debt both as individuals and governments?)
- Bob Dylan asked these questions decades ago, and ‘populism’ is not the answer(The real issues of a society – can populism solve them?)
- Structural problems are allowing employers to hide profits from workers: ACTU (Is wage stagnation caused by threats from automation, temporary work visas or student workers (who don’t have a say on their pay) either alone or in combination? Have employers become more powerful (in comparison to unions) and exploiting the prevailing labour market dynamics to earn higher profits? How will this trend impact on measures such as productivity, overall economic growth and social sustainability?)
- The shopping trolley pushing up economic growth(Why do governments and independent economists/reviewers always interpret the same data/results/pictures in contrasting ways? Is this what we call “political” viewpoint/decision-making? Who does the general public trust more?)
- International students urged to speak out about workplace exploitation and intimidation(An interesting study/investigation.)
- Slavery is a bigger problem now than when it was ‘abolished’ — and it’s happening here( “The fact that slavery can be hidden deep inside multinational supply chains blinds us to its presence and can make us all unwitting enablers.” )
- NAB rebounds with $5.3b profit, announces 6,000 job losses( Much predicted effects of automation/digitisation are already here! The trend will extend to other industries as well in no time. We should not complain, instead see this as an opportunity or catalyst to evolve better in the right direction. Our education systems have been producing individuals to cater for the outcomes of the industrial revolution that took place over hundred years ago. We need to seriously think about changing the paradigm from producing individuals to undertake routine work to produce individuals with creativity/wisdom to take care of their lives more mindfully.
- Migrant workers in Australia chronically underpaid, finds study(One culprit of wage growth stagnation/or low wage growth in Australia – chronically underpaid migrant workers. Possibly true for other similar economies.)
- Blackmail — the business plan for cheaper wages (A new and apparently widely used business model – Blackmailing. It may appear superficially that it affects only the exploited migrant workers. But if you dive deep, it affects the broader economy of the country. This is another proof of what Leonardo da Vinci famously said “Everything is Connected to Everything Else” “Bringing people into the country, paying them below minimum wage, is not a recipe for economic success.”)
- Stuck on the jobless treadmill(Long-Term-Unemployment! Higher than during the GFC in Australia. What are the causes and where are the solutions coming from? What strategic decisions our education systems can take to avoid these situation in future?)
- You won’t see a bump in your pay packet any time soon(Wage stagnation in Australia despite a reasonably high jobs growth – some very good/real analysis/reasons! High population growth, mainly through migration High number of temporary visa holders/workers including students Misconceived “trickle-down economics” theory On the first two reasons – The primary focus of migrant workers and temporary visa holders is to find some sort of employment, not about the size of the pay packet. Further, in comparison, their expectations are lower as well (in trying to adjust and survive). These facts are contributing to lower wage growth.)
- The Job Interview Will Soon Be Dead. Here’s What the Top Companies Are Replacing It With(ob Interviews! How Useful Are They? “Friedman says we are creating a condition where people are being dishonest because, well, plain and simple, it’s the only way for them to get a job. In other words, lets say I’m interviewing for one of your jobs. If you ask me about a skill I don’t have, it’s pretty clear that if admit that I don’t have that skill, I’m not going to get the job. The only option I have is to talk around it and give you, my potential boss or colleague, a false impression. The result: Employers are consistently getting spoon-fed dishonest answers, and they’re eating it up l”)
- Exploited foreign workers falling into ‘black hole’ of diplomatic immunity(MODERN DAY SLAVERY IN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS! How can such blatant perpetrators be representatives of a nation in a diplomatic mission? Aren’t they an absolute disgrace to whom they represent? How do they get appointed and who is responsible? Isn’t there any monitoring/evaluation/reporting structure? How can these incomprehensible situations be explained? Can Australia allow its domestic laws be violated in the disguise of a diplomatic mission? “It’s incredible to think that in the heart of Australia, that these sort of 19th-century practices are taking place,” “I don’t think it’s any surprise that in those circumstances, there are people who are working for virtually no money in a number of different embassies and consular buildings across Australia,” “She is aware of 20 workers who have escaped embassies.”)
- Understanding the ‘gig economy’ and the changing world of work(Through a short-term oriented, easily-done and narrow specialisation focus in our education systems, are we promoting a “gig economy”? Aren’t we risking our learners’ futures in a changing world by not giving a balanced education between broader knowledge and set of specific skills?”Twenty years ago, professionals were generic,” he says. “These days, we’re demanding more specialist and niche skills. But companies can’t employ people with all the niche skills required, as they’d just have too many people.”)
- Millions of Australians missing out on superannuation, amid rise of gig economy( Everything is connected to everything else” as Leonardo da Vinci famously said. Not getting superannuation paid is not a problem only of the associated worker – it is a major social problem with a lasting impact. Another example why we need to emphasise on the social responsibility of organisations as well as individuals for developing sustainable societies.”Then that societal risk, if you’d like, that we’ve accepted allowing this kind of work, comes back to those of us who’ve been paying tax, comes back to those who will be paying tax who’ll have to bear the burden without enough superannuation.” )
- Want to fix wage stagnation? Follow South Australia’s lead on payroll tax(An interesting and sensible discussion on the payroll tax threshold in Australia as a solution to the years-long issue of stagnated wage growth.)
- Universal basic income should be seen as a rightful share of society’s wealth(An insightful discussion on how a Universal Basic Income (UBI) system would contribute to sustainable (fairer, more just and ethical) social developments minimising worker/human exploitation/malpractices. “we need to understand UBI as a radical redistributive mechanism — one that works to redistribute wealth so all can enjoy economic security as a basic human right.” “We must see the UBI not as a grant, but a social dividend from wealth collectively created, or what Stanford’s Professor James Ferguson calls a rightful share. A UBI as a rightful share would go along side other social services, such as health, education, housing and disability support. ” “This is important as the GIG economy, labour precariarity, and attacks of collectively mobilised labour and unions are increasing. The UBI gives people the freedom to say no to get a better deal for their labour.” “Also, formal work as it is currently defined is very limited. It overlooks all the productive unpaid labour that people do — from the reproductive work (mainly women) do in raising children, to the important work some First Nations people undertake in caring for country and the unpaid creative work carried our by our artists.”)
- Senior Executives Get More Sleep Than Everyone Else(The significance of QUALITY SLEEP in decision-making, not just for senior executives but for everyone. Because everyone makes important decisions in his/her personal lives. “For leaders, sleep is not a luxury. Research has found that there is a direct link between getting enough sleep and leading effectively and that sleep-deprived leaders are less inspiring.” “It USED TO BE a BADGE OF HONOUR to BRAG about sleeping few hours, but our research should serve as inspiration for aspiring leaders to make sleep sacrosanct. The key message: If you want to be an effective leader, and rise in the ranks, get enough sleep.” “If you’re between the ages of 16 and 64, and don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep per night, your logical reasoning, executive function, attention, and mood can be impaired. Worse, severe sleep deprivation can lead to DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, and symptoms of PARANOIA. In the long run, sleep deprivation is a main contributor to the risk of DEMENTIA and ALZHEIMER’S disease.”)
- RIP Recruitment – Is this the end of the Recruitment Industry? (REST IN PEACE Recruitment! DIGITISATION/AUTOMATION now DISRUPTING traditional RECRUITMENT PROCESSES! If used positively, candidates get a better opportunity to express themselves more accurately and elaborately (instead of in 1-30 minute INTERVIEW or with a CV/RESUME) while organisations will be able to perform selection more FAIRLY towards creating better/more PRODUCTIVE ORGANISATIONAL CULTURES especially paying attention to areas such as EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE/MINDFULNESS.)
- Businesses worried they’ll be left behind due to staff skills shortage (Getting LEARNERS/GRADUATES ready for the 21st century needs – the BIGGEST challenge for UNIVERSITIES/EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES! What worked in the past for decades or even centuries in RELATIVE TERMS in a disintegrated/disconnected world would not work anymore in a rapidly changing, MASSIVELY INTERCONNECTED WORLD in various ways. In this type of world with more fluidity, rigid boundaries among disciplines of ATRS/SCIENCE/STEM/BUSINESS/COMMERCE are being DEMOLISHED, whether we are aware of it or not. The abilities to be receptive to the plethora of information flowing around, to organise and identify them in the order of importance by maintaining ATTENTION/FOCUS/MINDFULNESS would be of extreme importance. Further, the capacities to be RESILIENT/EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT amidst RAPID CHANGES/DISRUPTIONS would be the BASIC SURVIVAL SKILLS in an increasingly interconnecting, either positively or negatively, world. The ONUS lies with the DECISION-MAKERS of education industry to make individuals’ TIME SPENT as FULL-TIME (as well as part-time)STUDENTS/LEARNERS as fruitful/meaningful as possible by preparing them for the FUTURE instead of for THE PAST or even for the contemporary world.)
- Top Industrial Relations lawyer says Australian system is broken (How could these SYSTEMIC ISSUES (of WORKER EXPLOITATION) in INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS be overcome? How LARGE ORGANISATIONS keep away from LIABILITIES/REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS through SUB-CONTRACTING and become indirectly responsible for WAGE-THEFT! )
- Give Your Team the Freedom to Do the Work They Think Matters Most (Employee AUTONOMY and its relationship to levels of ENGAGEMENT and INTRINSIC MOTIVATION – very useful and insightful! We as educators should make use of this insight to give/promote AUTONOMY to STUDENTS/ LEARNERS as much as we can to get them ENGAGED and INTRINSICALLY MOTIVATED so they get the opportunity to SELF-AUTHOR their SELF-ACTUALISATION process of LEARNING and DEVELOPMENT.)
- The Emotionally Intelligent Way to Engage Employees (Great insights into EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT! It yearns us to conjecture on how much improvement in relation to PRODUCTIVITY can be achieved from the CURRENT LEVELS.”Gallup’s most recent State of the American Workplace report found that only 33% of the U.S. workforce is engaged. And only 21% of employees feel motivated to do outstanding work. These statistics are similar in other countries and, oddly, remain unchanged regardless of how the economy is doing.””They want work-life balance, learning opportunities, and roles that align with their talents. Many organizations have yet to meet these expectations, though doing so would heighten engagement.”Moreover, organizations too often lack the performance management practices that have been proven to boost outcomes, such as giving employees the information and resources necessary to do their work well, offering recognition for good work, and valuing employee input. “)
- Mental health in workplace key focus of Productivity Commission investigation (Is this high suicide rate in Australia related to GREEDY BANK/ORGANISATION culture revealed in the BANKING ROYAL COMMISSION recently?It is indeed great to see the recognition at the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT level the influence of ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE/WORKPLACE CULTURE/CORPORATE CULTURE on MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES/PRODUCTIVITY!”Nationally, more than 3,000 people took their own lives in 2017 making suicide the leading cause of death among people aged between 15-44 years.Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed a 9.1 per cent jump in suicide rates last year, increasing to 12.6 deaths in every 100,000 people in 2017, overtaking the World Health Organisation’s global average of 10.6 in every 100,000.”)
- This is how to reframe your thinking and find more meaning in your work (SELF-AWARENESS as identifying our PASSION and find meaning in our work!)
- The Origin of Job Interview (The ORIGINS of JOB INTERVIEWS – Very interesting!The bottom line is: “How do you show that you FIT into our TRIBE or How would you help us to maintain our STATUS QUO”. Or even, “Would you like to SACRIFICE your SELF/INDIVIDUALITY/SELF-AWARENESS/SELF-AUTHORSHIP/SELF-ACTUALISATION/HUMAN DEVELOPMENT/PASSIONS/VALUES/ETHICS/OPEN-MINDEDNESS/BROADNESS/FLEXIBILITY/CREATIVITY/WISDOM to NON-JUDGEMENTALLY ACCEPT our TRIBE for the sake of BELONGING/IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION/SURVIVAL?” irrespective of the nature (simply good or bad) of the TRIBE. Did MASLOW use the term “Well adjusted slave” for situations like this? Does this remind us of DARWIN’S THEORY of EVOLUTION/SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST/JUNGLE THEORY irrespective of what one is fit for (simply good or bad)? Do we still live in a world in the 21st century where FIGHT OR FLIGHT/SURVIVAL/NARROW modes permeates instead of a world that embraces DIVERSITY/OPENNESS/CONNECTEDNESS/WHOLENESS/BROADNESS/CREATIVITY/WISDOM etc?)
These 4 myths about the skills gap will hold your company back (The DIRE NEED of EMPLOYERS to treat EMPLOYEES as HUMANS with CAPACITIES to LEARN with GROWTH MINDSETS and an understanding of DEPENDENCE of ORGANISATIONAL GROWTH on the ACCOMMODATION OF THIS NEED.
““We’ve shifted away from a world where information is scarce and where it was the job of higher education to gather that information and make it accessible for learning by bringing the best minds and best books to single campus,” he says. “Students who are graduating have been taught a lot of eternal principles, but they’re not being taught what to do in a world with organizations swimming in data.”
“Even the best universities are increasingly failing to prepare students with the skills they need, says Blake. With the education system in transition, individuals need to arm themselves with the skills they need and companies need to look beyond the college degree.”)
Research: Whistleblowers Are a Sign of Healthy Companies (WHISTLEBLOWING as a sign of HEALTH of a company!
” Our analysis revealed that whistleblowers—and large numbers of them—are crucial to keeping firms healthy and that functioning internal hotlines are of paramount importance to business goals including profitability. The more employees use internal whistleblowing hotlines, the less lawsuits companies face, and the less money firms pay out in settlements.”)
The overlooked essentials of employee well-being (The RELATIONSHIP between Employee WELL-BEING and JOB CONTROL (the level of autonomy at work)!)
Dealing with a Toxic Boss (Dealing with a TOXIC BOSS who does not have EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EI) competencies with YOUR OWN (developed)EI competencies! Great advice!)
Engaging Your Focus At Work (Enhancing your ENGAGEMENT/PRODUCTIVITY at WORK! Aim for CHALLENGING WORK, even what might appear BEYOND YOUR REACH.
“In order to increase our focus, it helps to up our own engagement. As I’ve shared previously, leaders can draw on their emotional intelligence to effectively engage employees. But employee engagement is only half the responsibility of the employer–the employee has the other half. And employees can take steps to become more motivated–for example by better aligning their work with their goals.
If you find yourself frequently bored and distracted at work, you may need to take on more challenging projects. Disengagement (one giveaway sign is boredom) is the opposite of diving into productive work. To up your engagement, one strategy might be to identify projects that excite you, but may feel slightly beyond your reach. Dive in anyway. If possible, you might work with a supervisor or mentor to learn how to get better at these stretch assignments. Bottom line: When we take on challenges that align with our abilities and interests, we feel more fulfilled and engaged by our work.”)
How to Decide Whether to Relocate for a Job (RELOCATING for a NEW JOB! A classic example of an instance of COMPLEX DECISION-MAKING where SYSTEMS THINKING/LIFECYCLE ANALISIS/CHANGE MANAGEMNT is ESSENTIAL!
“When you’re wrestling with a big decision, “there’s a temptation to get out an Excel spreadsheet and weigh the pros and cons,” says Petriglieri. But this is an instance where Excel comes up short. “When you’re choosing one life over another, it becomes an identity choice: Who do I want to become? What kind of family will we be?” The job is only one piece of the puzzle. Consider your “holistic happiness and satisfaction.” Think about the lifestyle that the new location affords or lacks. Are you suited for small town life? Or do you prefer a big city? Do you want to spend your weekends traveling? Or do you want to feel rooted in a community? The answers to these questions will help you uncover what this “move means for you, your partner, and your children,” she says. “When it’s a difficult choice, it means that no option is clearly better than the other.” Try to think beyond the immediate move,” suggests Bidwell. “Ask: What is best for us in the long-term?””)
Tackling Too Many Projects (Clear understanding and keeping away from OVERCOMMITTMENT towards WELL-BEING! Insightful!
“Chronic overcommitment seems epidemic these days, an increasing source of stress and burnout. Many of us, out of a desire for praise or building social capital, take on more projects than we have time for each day. Yet constant busyness makes it difficult to give any single endeavor our complete attention and effort, let alone the damage it does to our relationships.
Our bodies are designed to have a jolt of energy to handle a sudden emergency, and then need to rest and recover. But if we constantly stay in emergency mode with no time for recovery, our brain secretes too many stress hormones. While these neurochemicals prepare us to face short-term stress, if they build up they interfere with our ability to work well, to learn, to innovate, to listen, and to plan effectively.”)
Population growth needs to be part of the national economic conversation (The bottom line of HIGH POPULATION GROWTH:
Higher GDP – economic growth (a simple way to get a higher GDP number, credit goes to the existing governments)
Higher consumption of goods and services – (good for all business through more demand, higher prices and sales as well as for the governments as they get more income from taxes )
Lower wages/wage growth (more employees are competing for the same job – good for businesses and bad for individual employees)
Higher house prices/rental values (good for investors but bad for renters)
Lower quality of life/sustainability/well-being/higher competition among social members for limited resources (more congestion, more demand for hospitals, schools and means of transportation)
WINNERS and LOSERS are: Governments become richer and get the credit for higher ECONOMY (ONLY) GROWTH, business become more profitable (MORE DEMAND and SALES and LOWER WAGES) individuals, communities and societies, in general, get LOWER WELL-BEING/LOWER QUALITY OF LIFE/LOWER CREATIVITY/LOWER WISDOM LOWER/ INNOVATION/LOWER HUMAN DEVELOPMENT/LOWER SUSTAINABILITY/LOWER PROGRESS TOWARDS AN EMERGING WORLD/HIGHER STAGNATION AT THE STATUS QUO
FINAL OUTCOME IN ONE PHRASE: NO SYSTEMS THINKING/NO SYSTEMS FOCUS)
A growing number of people think their job is useless. Time to rethink the meaning of work (Food for thought – on purposeful work!
“In a 2013 survey of 12,000 professionals by the Harvard Business Review, half said they felt their job had no “meaning and significance,” and an equal number were unable to relate to their company’s mission, while another poll among 230,000 employees in 142 countries showed that only 13% of workers actually like their job. A recent poll among Brits revealed that as many as 37% think they have a job that is utterly useless.”
“They have, what anthropologist David Graeber refers to as, “bullshit jobs”. On paper, these jobs sound fantastic. And yet there are scores of successful professionals with imposing LinkedIn profiles and impressive salaries who nevertheless go home every evening grumbling that their work serves no purpose.”
“Let’s get one thing clear though: I’m not talking about the sanitation workers, the teachers, and the nurses of the world. If these people were to go on strike, we’d have an instant state of emergency on our hands. No, I’m talking about the growing armies of consultants, bankers, tax advisors, managers, and others who earn their money in strategic trans-sector peer-to-peer meetings to brainstorm the value-add on co-creation in the network society.”)
The Former Linkedin CLO Wants You To Focus On Your Skills(Why the SKILL-SET is more important (ever increasing manner in future along with social transformations) than the PREVIOUS ROLES and (academic and professional ) CREDENTIALS!
“The TRADITIONAL way of HIRING and STRUCTURING ORGANISATIONS is based on accomplishments such as which COLLEGE YOU GRADUATED FROM AND WHAT PREVIOUS JOBS you’ve held. However, in what Palmer and Blake call the “expertise economy,” SKILLS ARE ACTUALLY THE CURRENCY with which candidates can navigate within an organization. INSTEAD OF WORKERS TALKING about their TRAJECTORY based on ROLES OR CREDENTIALS, they should, instead, think about what it is that they would like to be doing with the SKILLS THEY HAVE. For example, if an employee is highly EMPATHETIC but also a GREAT PROGRAMMER with top LEADERSHIP SKILLS, he or she might be able to make use of those skills in ways that may not have been possible had that individual been hired to only to program. The times are shifting and the FUTURE WORK is BECOMING MORE ABOUT our DIVERSE AND UNIQUE SKILL SET than our static roles and traditional hierarchies as we know them in the corporate world.”)
The mother-daughter team behind the ‘scientifically unsupported’ Myers-Briggs personality test (Some real facts about MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) PERSONALITY TEST that is common in the CORPORATE WORLD when CHOOSING CANDIDATES for EMPLOYMENT!
“Rather, explains Dr Emre, the MBTI told people “that they weren’t right for a particular type of job — that something else might fit them better”.
“Isabel considered this a far more “compelling and persuasive way to convince people to do work for you”, Dr Emre says.”
“Because they believe they are made to do the work that you are asking them to do — so they will bind themselves to it freely and gladly.”
“”The consulting field where [the MBTI] thrives does not have a strong scientific base or ethos, and is unconcerned by the conceptual and empirical failings of the test,” says Nicholas Haslam, professor of psychology at the University of Melbourne.
“Whereas, psychology researchers in personality measurement — who do know and care about the science — deprecate it.”
“Professor Haslam says the success of the indicator can in part be attributed to how well its publishers have promoted it, and to its long history of use, which “gives it a sort of solidity in the eyes of people who use it”.)
If this is Globalization 4.0, what were the other three?( WATCH OUT for these IMPACTS from DIGITISATION/AUTOMATION! The MAIN IMPACT of globalisation 4 as the impact on the SERVICES SECTOR (WHITE-COLLAR JOBS) as opposed to on GOODS/ PRODUCTION/MANUFACTURING that took place widely/prominently in the previous trends of globalisation in versions 1, 2 and 3.
“Globalization 4.0 is what I call the third unbundling. It is what will happen when digitech allows arbitrage of international wage differences without the physical movement of workers. While Globalization 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 were mainly a concern of people who made things for a living (since globalization focused on things that we made), Globalization 4.0 is going to hit the service sector. Hundreds of millions of service-sector and professional workers in advanced economies will – for the first time ever – be exposed to the challenges and opportunities of globalization.
Worryingly, the service sector is also where AI-driven automation will displace many workers. If the blue-collar workers disrupted by Globalization 3.0 join hands with the white-collar workers who will be disrupted by Globalization 4.0, we may have an upheaval on our hands – what I call the Globotics Upheaval. Reading recent headlines, this upheaval may be wearing a gilet jaune.”)
How to find your voice, speak your truth and listen deeply (What does EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION (SKILLS) MEAN? It is much more than mere (a particular) language skill – great guidance!
“We spend so much of our lives talking to each other, but how much are we simply running on automatic—relying on old habits and hoping for the best? Are we able to truly hear others and speak our mind in a clear and kind way, without needing to get defensive or go on the attack?
The techniques in Say What You Mean will help you to:
Feel confident during conversation
Stay focused on what really matters in an interaction
Listen for the authentic concerns behind what others say
Reduce anxiety before and during difficult conversations
Find nourishment in day-to-day interactions”)
How focusing on diversity of lived experience can improve organizations (DIVERSITY OF LIVED EXPERIENCE – a great notion for organisations to reap benefits!
” the idea of diversity in lived experience tries to recognize the unique set of challenges that each of us face in our lives–and that only we truly know.”
“And therein lies the opportunity within any organization.The benefits of diversity and inclusion are well documented and beyond dispute. As is the need to pay particular attention to those groups that have historically been discriminated against, marginalized, or persecuted. But how do we create a environment where every person is able to bring to their work and teams the fullness of their lived experience? One that includes not only gender, race, and sexual orientation but age, geography, class, trauma, upbringing, beliefs, family structure, and the myriad other influences that someone has “lived through” to get to where they are today.”
“When this happens, it can lead to:
Deeper appreciation for the value and different perspectives of all involved
Increased openness, improved teamwork, and more inclusive solutions
Recruitment, hiring, and training practices where workforces truly embrace diversity”)
A Senate inquiry delivers a damning report into Australia’s $170b franchising industry (et another situation of EXPLOITATION in Australia revealed through a (yet another) SENATE inquiry! One may find some reasons why PRODUCTIVITY is a major issue in Australia. Why do we need so many ROYAL COMMISSIONS/SENATE INQUIRIES etc., etc. into many things- is the ineffectiveness of regulatory actions/bodies/leadership the main culprit in creating adverse organisational cultures based on unsustainable greed/self-interests?)
This robot could be conducting your next job interview (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) to the fore in overcoming HUMAN BIAS – another application of AI – INTERVIEWING candidates for jobs. This is a very interesting situation in which we use HUMANS DEVELOPED AI technologies to overcome HUMAN DEFICIENCIES. Wouldn’t it be better to develop a better MORE COMPASSIONATE/SELF-ACTUALISING/SELF-TRANSCENDENCING HUMAN MINDs with capacities to see reality as is/connectedness among the various systems on the planet through MINDFULNESS/SELF-AWARENESS/EMOTIONAL-INTELLIGENCE enhancing ATTENTION-TRAINING practices?
“Since October, Swedish recruitment agency TNG has been using an artificially intelligent robot head called Tengai to conduct test interviews in place of a human recruiter. Starting in May, the device will begin interviewing candidates for actual jobs with the goal of eliminating the biases human recruiters bring to the hiring process — an encouraging example of an AI eliminating discrimination rather than amplifying it.”)
4 Reasons Talented Employees Don’t Reach Their Potential (POTENTIAL/TALENT and PERFORMANCE mismatch at WORKPLACE!
“Business leaders rejoice in the idea that their companies are meritocratic talent magnets, but the reality is that even when they are able to draw star performers into their companies, those stars will have to learn how to NAVIGATE THE TOXIC and NEPOTISTIC side of any culture — including some basic degree of ORGANISATIONAL POLITICS.”
“In general, the more CONTAMINATED AND CORROSIVE the CULTURE of an organization, the more PARASITIC individuals will rise, much like BACTERIA thrive in CONTAMINATED environments. You can see this in any organization when there’s a clear gap between individuals’ CAREER SUCCESS and their ACTUAL PERFORMANCE and talents. You can deal with this by being aware of the politics and partaking in them, though hopefully without SELLING YOUR SOUL. In any event, it is NAIVE to think that you can let your TALENTS SPEAK for themselves. In fact, the MORE TALENTED you are, the MORE ENEMIES you will make — particularly in TOXIC AND POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS. And if things are hard to change, your best bet may be to change organizations, or at least units. Note that though all organizations are political, SOME are far LESS POLITICAL than others.”)
Welcome to No Work Wednesday (Working LESS (number of days) for HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY by challenging the STATUS QUO – going back to the common adage of it is not the QUANTITY that matters but the QUALITY!)
THE POWER OF HIDDEN TEAMS (ENGAGEMENT at the workplace – the STATUS QUO!
“..ONLY ABOUT 16% of EMPLOYEES are FULLY ENGAGED at work, like Jordan, while ABOUT 84% are JUST GOING through the motions, like Fritz”
“Jordan has worked at Stanford Health Care as a clinical nurse in the orthopedic department for the past three years. …she described how THRILLEDshe is to be in a role whose ENTIRE PURPOSE is HELPING PEOPLE GET BETTER ONE BY ONE…she LOVES what she calls the INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, in which the FAMILY, the CASE MANAGER, the PHYSICAL THERAPIST, the PHYSICIAN, the OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, the SOCIAL WORKER, and the NURSE all COME TOGETHER to CHOOSE the BEST CARE for each PATIENT”
“Fritz has been a clinical nurse for about the same amount of time, but he works for a different department in a different hospital. He works the same long hours Jordan does, but UNLIKE her, he is NOT PART OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY UNIT. He is merely one of 76 nurses…assigned to ROTATING SHIFTS whose members CHANGE from one WEEK TO THE NEXT..overseen by two administrators and one nurse supervisor. He is STRUGGLING. He EMBARKED on his nursing career with as much PASSION to HELP PEOPLE as Jordan did, but NOW he’s TIRED, BURNED OUT, and thinking about QUITTING”)
The Power of Positive Connection (Why THE WAY we DELIVER a MESSAGE is more IMPORTANT than the MESSAGE (good or bad) itself when we FOCUS on a POSITIVE OUTCOME!
“It’s not that you can’t deliver bad news about how someone has been doing – it’s the way you deliver that news that counts. Consider research where people were given positive performance feedback in a cold, distant, and negative tone of voice. Despite the good news, they came away feeling bad. And in the same study, others were given negative performance feedback in a warm, supportive tone of voice – and left feeling a bit upbeat despite the bad news.”)
Six Acting Tricks to Help You Stop Being a Pushover (Managing the RIGHT DOSE of ASSERTIVENESS – without getting PUSHED-BY or becoming a BULLY – a great SKILL to LEARN.
“People who ASSERT themselves over others, despite what’s “RIGHT,” perhaps RARELY have insight into their own behaviour. They continue to be REWARDED for their PUSHINESS because there are enough people like you who find this behaviour DIFFICULT to CONFRONT. Although your NICENESS can WIN you all kinds of PRAISE and REGARD from those you interact with, aren’t there times when you’d LIKE TO be the one to have YOUR WAY?”)
The Importance of Psychological Safety (Why PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY/OPENNESS is so important for INNOVATION and ORGANISATIONAL PROGRESS/SUSTAINABILITY/BOTTOMLINE?
“PSYCHOLOGICAL and EMOTIONAL SAFETY is the understanding that being HONEST and OPEN is OKAY and WON’T HAVE NEGATIVE repercussions. When we FEEL SAFE, we’re able to SHUT DOWN the brain’s hardwiring for DEFENSIVENESS. This, in turn, FOSTERS HEALTHY RISK-TAKING, innovation, and enables us to unleash FULLER strengths.”
“In contrast, an environment that LACKS SAFETY keeps us in SURVIVAL MODE. The amygdala–our brain’s radar for threat–takes control, PREVENTING us from INNOVATING or LEARNING NEW THINGS. Emotional safety shuts down this amygdala hijack and releases us from the FEAR and ANXIETY of survival mode.”
“The concept of EMOTIONAL SAFETY has its ROOTS in John BOWLBY’s research on PARENT-CHILD relationships. Bowlby claimed that children need to FEEL such SAFETY in order to DEVELOP and EXPLORE the WORLD. We now know that this need for SAFETY CONTINUES into ADULTHOOD.”)
Turning the Office into a Great Place to Work (NOT a strange COINCIDENCE: BEST COMPANIES and their WORKERS FINDING their work PURPOSEFUL/MEANINGFUL.
“the Korn Ferry Institute found when they spoke to 30 founders, CEOs, and senior executives at consumer companies with “visible and authentic purposes, engaged employees, customer-oriented cultures, and strong financial results.” Of the four things purpose-driven companies report, one is that “People are the top priority. Companies invest in people to drive growth.””
“This also gets at what major researchers in the field of organizational psychology have found — that meaningful work is correlated with greater wellbeing and a more innovative, creative, and engaged workforce.”)
LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner on developing compassion in the workplace (NEW FRONTIERS: COMPASSION as one of the KEY LEADERSHIP qualities – CEO of LinkedIn Jeff Weiner (among top 10 CEOs), who started a project to introduce the notion of COMPASSION to every ELEMENTARY STUDENT in the USA.)
What Mindfulness Can Do for a Team (MINDFULNESS in managing CONFLICTS in teams/organisations, in fact, YIELDING POSITIVES from them!
“Sometimes CONFLICTS can be PRODUCTIVE: When teams are hammering out ideas and striving to find the most effective route to a SHARED GOAL, people will often express concerns and offer DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES. That process can lead to stronger outcomes as well as a sense of SHARED ACCOMPLISHMENTS — even if not everyone agrees.”
“Those benefits can quickly evaporate, however, if that healthier “task conflict” TURNS PERSONAL, and team members begin to RESENT their coworkers’ comments or actions, or treat disagreements as ATTACKS. What’s more, if left unchecked that personal friction — known as “relationship conflict” — can lead to SOCIAL UNDERMINING, which happens when people RETALIATE against coworkers and actively attempt to UNDERCUT them by spreading GOSSIP, giving them the cold shoulder, or MISTREATING them in other ways.”
“How can LEADERS help teams BEFORE they get to THIS STAGE? One possibility might be MINDFULNESS. Mindfulness, defined as “a RECEPTIVE ATTENTION to and AWARENESS of present events and experience,” has been shown to help individuals stay on task, approach problems with an OPEN MIND, and AVOID taking disagreements PERSONALLY.”)
7 ways to establish a culture of mindfulness in the workplace (Conditions required for introducing a CULTURE CHANGE – such as MINDFULNESS practices – at the WORKPLACE!
“No matter the culture initiative, organizational leaders need to be visible and active proponents of said initiative. One of the CENTRAL REASONS behind the FAILURE OF CULTURE INITIATIVES is the INCONSISTENCY of LEADERSHIP. When LEADERS BEHAVE as though they are OVER and ABOVE their ORGANIZATION, they soon discover that they are INCAPABLE of AFFECTING CHANGE.”)
Skills, not job titles, are the new metric for the labour market (In an emerging/future job market, why SKILLS/COMPETENCIES/USABLE KNOWLEDGE (when circumstances require) /EMBODIED KNOWLEDGE/PROCEDURAL KNOWLEDGE (as opposed to declarative knowledge) are the CURRENCY rather than JOB TITLE and DEGREES. To accomplish this more JUST, FAIRER, PRODUCTIVE and SUSTAINABLE PARADIGM CHANGE, how should our EDUCATION SYSTEMS change/adapt?
“SKILLS are the NEW CURRENCY on the LABOUR MARKET. SKILLS indicate demand and supply at a more NUANCED level than OCCUPATIONS, whose required expertise and skills are CHANGING increasingly QUICKLY, and DEGREES, which are often ALREADY OUTDATED by the TIME they are OBTAINED. The current pace of change requires following the direction of a SKILLS-BASED, RATHER THAN DEGREE-BASED LABOUR MARKET, which is a much more dynamic variable. Using SKILLS as a variable of analysis provides a POWERFUL TOOL in helping POLICYMAKERS prepare for the FUTURE while building RESILIENCE in the present day.”)
The Language of Skills — Foundation for FutureOfWork (EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION from “primary” model to “NEW AGE” MODEL – a great way to describe the reality!
Is CURRENCY = (HIGH) EQ (EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT)+ (HIGH) SQ (SKILL QUOTIENT)+ (A THRESHOLD) IQ (INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT)?
“PRIMARILY, in a world where education and INFORMATION were SCARCE, The model was, LEARN and THEN APPLY. We feasted on learning and then applied it for the SUCCESSION for OUR CAREER. Now, we live in a world where INFORMATION is ABUNDANT, this SHIFT has changed a lot of things…During the period, when learning was feasted on first, people COULD USE the DEGREE as a MEANINGFUL SIGNAL of the accumulated skills one has. But now, in the time of ALL TIME-LEARNING, NO such SIGNALLING mechanism exists.”
“People STILL RELATE their education to the COLLEGE DEGREE obtained. But the fact is, that the CAPABILITIES, the KNOWLEDGE in one’s HEAD at PRESENT is NOT influenced by a DEGREE obtained several YEARS AGO.”
“PWC …says that 92% of the GLOBAL CEOs worry that they don’t have the SKILLS to meet the needs of the FUTURE. The same study states that 77% of the CEOs believe that the biggest THREAT one has is the LACK of knowledge of the skills possessed, yet 0% of those CEOs could tell about the skills they need to win.”)
The Language of Skills — Foundation for FutureOfWork (EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION from “primary” model to “NEW AGE” MODEL – a great way to describe the reality! Is CURRENCY = (HIGH) EQ (EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT)+ (HIGH) SQ (SKILL QUOTIENT)+ (A THRESHOLD) IQ (INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT)? “PRIMARILY, in a world where education and INFORMATION were SCARCE, The model was, LEARN and THEN APPLY. We feasted on learning and then applied it for the SUCCESSION for OUR CAREER. Now, we live in a world where INFORMATION is ABUNDANT, this SHIFT has changed a lot of things…During the period, when learning was feasted on first, people COULD USE the DEGREE as a MEANINGFUL SIGNAL of the accumulated skills one has. But now, in the time of ALL TIME-LEARNING, NO such SIGNALLING mechanism exists.” “People STILL RELATE their education to the COLLEGE DEGREE obtained. But the fact is, that the CAPABILITIES, the KNOWLEDGE in one’s HEAD at PRESENT is NOT influenced by a DEGREE obtained several YEARS AGO.” “PWC …says that 92% of the GLOBAL CEOs worry that they don’t have the SKILLS to meet the needs of the FUTURE. The same study states that 77% of the CEOs believe that the biggest THREAT one has is the LACK of knowledge of the skills possessed, yet 0% of those CEOs could tell about the skills they need to win.”)
“I think continuous learning and personal development is the key to feeling happy at any job.” with Chris McCarthy and Chaya Weiner (How to get INSPIRED in your PERSONAL JOURNEY of SELF-AUTHORSHIP an example from the CEO of DEGREED? “Changing something as significant as WORKFORCE CULTURE can seem TOO BIG for one person. However, any CHANGE REALLY does have to start with ONE PERSON to IGNITE a SPARK and CREATE a MOVEMENT. As I mentioned, I think CONTINUOUS LEARNING and PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT is the key to feeling HAPPY at any job. It is our personal responsibility to be PROACTIVE about BETTERING ourselves, learning new skills, and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone. Challenging ourselves may seem COUNTERINTUITIVE to our own happiness, but BOREDOM LEADS to UNHAPPINESS. “I looked at the STUDENT DEBT I was accumulating and realized how BROKEN EDUCATION was… Then I decided the best way for me to keep learning was to go into strategy consulting and learn about lots of different industries and companies…sort of boot camp for a business career. Except NO FIRM would HIRE me because I didn’t have a DEGREE. It was one of those SURREAL moments. I had all these skills and UNIQUE EXPERIENCES to OFFER, but the demand side of the jJOB MARKET was FORCING me to go back and take on a LIFE CRIPPLING amount of DEBT JUST to pass a TOLL GATE. “)
Making Joy a Priority at Work (Joy at Work = Engagement = Productivity = The Bottomline)
“Range” author David Epstein explains why generalization beats specialization (The ADVANTAGE of GENERALISATION ahead OF SPECIALISATION! Why does SPECIALISATION (when it comes to CAREERS or CHILD EXPERIENCES) NARROW our LEARNING nad DEVELOPMENT (and thereby also the UNDERSTANDING/VIEWS of the WORLD around us)?
As parents, why should we allow our CHILDREN to EXPLORE and find their CALL/INTERESTS instead of FORCING our WISHES on them?
Why should we DELAY any SPECIALISATION in LEARNING/CAREERS until it is ESSENTIALLY REQUIRED?)
If You Can Honestly Say ‘Yes’ to These 7 Questions, Your Emotional Intelligence Is Higher Than You Think (What SITUATIONS would you try to OVERCOME at the WORKPLACE by developing EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (in a sentence)?
“One thing I know is that DRAMA AT the WORKPLACE is INEVITABLE AS LONG AS human beings are involved. WORDS and ACTIONS will be MISINTEPRTED, EGOS will CLASH, buttons will be pushed, and people will arrive at DIFFERENT, and often, WRONG CONCLUSIONS.”)
Is It Better to Be a Specialist or a Generalist? (Why should LEARNERS/STUDENTS DELAY their SPECIALISATION as LATE as possible in life? “However, SPECIALIZATION CAN HINDER success in “WICKED ENVIRONMENTS,” where there is LESS REPETITION and more RANDOMNESS. Unfortunately, the latter are more PREVALENT in the COMPLEX, RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD in which we live. That means becoming a GENERALIST—SOMEONE who can EMBRACE DIVERSE EXPERIENCES and PERSPECTIVES—may be MORE NECESSARY than EVER.”
“In an ACADEMIC setting, he writes, LEARNING in a FAST and EASY fashion can make INFORMATION HARDER to RETAIN, while STRUGGLING to WORK THROUGH DIFFICULT PROBLEMS is important for LONG-TERM MEMORY. A COMMON TREND in the classroom, says Epstein, is “blocked” practice, or PRACTICING SIMILAR PROBLEMS on REPEAT. This type of PRACTICE can lead students to get more ANSWERS RIGHT, but have a LOW LEVEL of UNDERSTANDING.”
“After all, HOW ARE WE supposed to SPECIALIZE and find an OPTIMAL FIT at an EARLY AGE when our PERSONALITIES CONTINUE TO CHANGE? When the JOB MARKET SHIFTS, and our ENTHUSIASM about work DISSIPATES, it DOESN’T MAKE SENSE to stay in the same place. “)
Why Even New Grads Need to Reskill for the Future (Is it ANTICLIMAX for expecting NEW GRADUATES to RESKILL? Are we heading into this direction or ARE WE ALREADY there? Do we have a REAL VALUE in proportion to the COST involved in HIGHER EDUCATION?
“In 2018, 35% of the U.S. POPULATION had at least FOUR YEARS of COLLEGE education — the MOST in history. But while we might have the MOST EDUCATED population ever, these DEGREES aren’t necessarily giving people the practical WORK SKILLS they need.”
“College DEGREE PROGRAMS simply CANNOT KEEP PACE with how FAST things are CHANGING in the WORKPLACE Many students are currently being PREPARED FOR JOBS that NO LONGER EXIST, and many DON’T have the RIGHT SKILLS for the job they want. SKILL GAPS are PREVALENT and WIDENING.”
“This becomes even MORE PROBLEMATIC as more and more of our work tasks are AUTOMATED. Automation means that grads could be doing HIGHER-VALUE WORK earlier in their careers, as MACHINES take over REPETITIVE or MUNDANE tasks.”)
Create A Collaborative Culture With Employee Empowerment (A #COLLABORATIVE CULTURE for #PRODUCTIVITY, #INNOVATION and #PROGRESS/ #SUSTAINABILITY! “According to RESEARCH from Gallup, only 15% of employees surveyed STRONGLY AGREE that their organization’s #LEADERSHIP #INSPIRES enthusiasm for the #FUTURE, and 13% STRONGLY AGREE that #LEADERSHIP #COMMUNICATES #EFFECTIVELY with the REST of the ORGANISATION. To fix this #DISCONNECT and build #CONSENSUS, a Gallup article ADVISERS LEADERS to ask EMPLOYEES to play an #ACTIVE part in #SHAPING the company #VISION.”)
Thousands of Australians experience workplace bullying but their claims are often dismissed ( The only #VIABLE #SOLUTION for #WORKPLACE #BULLYING appears to be helping #INDIVIDUAL #TRANSFORMATION (both for the #ATTACKERS and the #VICTIMS) prior to this happening. Helping them develop #EMOTIONAL #INTELLIGENCE #COMPETENCIES would help definitely.
“WORKPLACE BULLYING is one of the LEADING CAUSES of work-related MENTAL STRESS in Australia, according to the Australian PRODUCTIVITY Commission’s draft MENTAL HEALTH report, released last week.”
“The report estimated that the issue costs Australia’s ECONOMY between $22 BILLION and $47.4 billion EACH YEAR due to LOSS of productivity, ABSENTIEESM, LEGAL COSTS and early RETIREMENT payouts.”
“Krystal said the manager withheld training, set IMPOSSIBLE DEADLINES and criticised her work.”
“The MOTHER-of-TWO went from being confident and capable, to WITHDRAWING SOCIALLY and agonising over every email, conversation and task she performed at work.”
“Not only that, in my PERSONAL LIFE it made for being a really BAD partner and a really TERRIBLE mother,” she said.”
“All that STRESS and ANXIETY that you build up … you come back to your safe place and LET IT all out.””)
Why Employees Need Both Recognition and Appreciation ( How can we get people #ENGAGED, irrespective of the role they play in our societies/world? #RECOGNITION vs #APPRECIATION – How are they different?
“This distinction matters because recognition and appreciation are given for different reasons. Even when people succeed, inevitably there will be failures and challenges along the way; depending on the project, there may not even be tangible results to point to. If you focus solely on praising positive outcomes, on recognition, you miss out on lots of opportunities to connect with and support your team members — to appreciate them.”
“Was that OK?” “Did you hear me?” “Do you see me?” “Did what I say mean anything to you?”)
The power of appreciation: Mike Robbins at TEDxBellevue (#RECOGNITION vs #APPRECIATION- What matters most? What is more effective? The former is #LIMITED in quantity and is about the #RESULTS/OUTCOMES (not the way through to them), while the latter is #INFINITE and is about #PEOPLE/PERSON. )
Why Some of us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick | TEDxBend (Is it a PUSH by the prevailing CULTURE/ STATUS QUO for us to have ONLY ONE CALLING instead of resulting from true HUMAN NATURE? Does the widely embraced notion of WHOLE PERSON/CHILD/BRAIN DEVELOPMENT have a close relationship to the notion of MULTIPOTENTALITY (That appears to be the opposite of SPECIALISATION)? Doesn’t the human brain have the INHERENT POTENTIAL/CAPACITY to be a GENERAL PROCESSOR (provided that we stimulate the whole brain)? The PLANET needs the CREATIVE characteristics of MULTIPOTENTIOALITY in SOLVING its COMPLEX/WICKED PROBLEMS, anyway. David Epstein’s book “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” will give us some food for thought on the same issue.)
Compassion Is The Antidote For Workplace Division (COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP – why does it MATTER heading into the FUTURE (which is ALREADY HERE, whether we like it or not)?
“Arthur Brooks, former CHAIR of the American Enterprise Institute, estimates that about SEVEN PERCENT of the world PROFITS from CONTEMPTS, HATE, DIVISION, POLARIZATION, and PREJUDICE are PRODUCTS OF DRAMA, which we define as “STRUGGLING AGAINST OTHERS, with or without AWARENESS, to FEEL JUSTIFIED about HARMFUL behavior.”
“COMPASSION is the ANTIDOTE. We need ways to HARNESS the POSITIVE POTENTIAL of CONFLICT. We need a common language for building RELATIONSHIPS that INCLUDE and INSPIRE INSTEAD OF EXCLUDING and DISINTEGRATE people.”
“The AGE of COMMAND and CONTROL LEADERSHIP is OVER. The NEW ERA is about RELATIONSHIPS and LEVERAGING DIVERSITY towards a COMMON GOAL. COMPASSION is the ANSWER because compassion is what CONNECTS us and helps us GET BACK ON TRACK when we LOSE our way.”)
Fixing a toxic work culture: Guarding against the ‘dark triad’ (Becoming #AWARE/ getting to KNOW of a #TOXIC #WORK #CULTURE – what are the SYMPTOMS? “You know your company’s culture is TOXIC, but where is it coming from? Is it a SYSTEMIC ISSUE? Point-source pollution from a HANDFUL OF BAD EGGS? BOTH?”
“It’s not always easy to tell. Because #TOXIC #LEADERS and EMPLOYEES sare typically confident people, they’re often able to build a LARGE NETWORK OF FOLLOWERS to #CAMOUFLAGE or PROTECT THEMSELVES, despite their NEGATIVE INFLUENCE, said Deborah Ancona, a #PROFESSOR OF #LEADERSHIP at MIT Sloan and FOUNDER of the MIT LEADERSHIP Center.”
“TOXIC LEADERS are often talking about all the GREAT things that they CAN do. People are attracted to that and see that as the kind of leader they want,” Ancona said. “ONLY LATER, through interaction [with that person] or their behavior over time do you start to see the UNDERBELLY that isn’t always visible at first glance.”)[/expand]
ON AUTOMATION AND USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
- Smarter robots put 50% of jobs at risk(This is where automation leads us. Doesn’t the solution lie in the way we educate our learners to meet the next generation challenges – a change in perspective of education and learning?)
- Lawyers, accountants join list of workers who could lose their jobs to AI, warns report(We need to better educate human beings to perform more creative activities instead of training them for performing routine tasks. The capacities of the human brain are infinite as defined by the phenomenon of neuroplasticity. What is needed is a paradigm change in the way we program/educate human brains.)
- Artificial intelligence coming sooner than you think, experts say(This is why we need a paradigm change in the way we provide education or program human brains. We need to encourage and enhance creativity/wisdom/consciousness/mindfulness in our learners instead of stifling them, relying on the phenomenon of neuroplasticity. The phenomena of neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis point towards infinite capacities of the human brain; these capacities need to be developed with purposeful and well-directed activities. )
- How the automation revolution is set to replace white collarworkers (It is the time we start teaching our future generations for creativity, mindfulness, wisdom and the like that are inherently human features.)
- The future of work is under threat, but it’s not robots we need to fear( Is the evolution of technology led by artificial intelligence (AI) is the threat to a sustainable social development? Are there any threats worse than that? A thoughtful discussion!”The real danger of the future of work is no so much about robots taking our jobs, but about the continued trajectory of a business-led march against shared prosperity. This is a revolution led by corporate bosses, not robots. Blaming a faceless “technology” is simply a matter of avoiding responsibility for actions taken by humans.”Do we need a different approach to educate human beings – towards shared prosperity through wisdom? Shouldn’t this be the focus of all our education systems in order to at least dream about sustainable societies?”If the present is anything to go by the future will be characterised by further widening inequality, the erosion of working rights, falling employment security and the removal of social safety nets in a system that promotes winner-take-all values.”)
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- Job losses to automation to increase in services sector: economist(Job loses to automation/digital disruption are spreading to services sector as well. In light of this, how should our education sector refocus their approaches in learning and development? We may be already lagging behind on this much needed refocus task. )
- You won’t see a bump in your pay packet any time soon()
- NAB workers latest to fall as automation transforms the economy(The impact of automation is not going to happen in future – it is right here now! In this regard, how can we educate our kids/students/learners meaningfully without letting their time go to waste?“It’s the crest of a digital wave flooding through banks, financial institutions, accounting and law firms, and if you’re doing a white-collar job that deals with information, you’re in for a bumpy ride.”“In his view, automation and software that analyses information and makes decisions will transform the business landscape — doing jobs that, until recently, required well-paid “knowledge workers”.” )
- The Data Tightrope: Beyond Facebook( Recent events are reinforcing the essential and more elaborate human intervention in the (Artificial Intelligence)AI / Big Data loop.”But as the revelations mount, experts say the issue is only reinforcing the critical role that humans will need to play in today’s boom in artificial intelligence—and at all levels at firms.”)
- Robots creating a wages and employment ‘death spiral’ warns IMF(Artificial Intelligence (AI) is to contribute to increasing inequality and employment death spiral according to IMF. These are some clear indications of the transformations needed in traditional education systems to future-proof young learners.”Under the research modelling in this case, the skilled wage increases from between 56 to 157 per cent in the long run, while wages paid to low-skill labour drop between 26 to 56 per cent.””As for solutions, the IMF broadly targets two possible ways to limit mounting inequality: through education, and tax.”)
- Ethics and Emotional Intelligence in a Future of AI (How can an ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-LED (AI-LED) future address issues related to ETHICS and EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE? Is it ever possible?”Bottom line: AI cannot become truly emotionally intelligent; for one, the brain circuitry that gives rise to this human skill set is too complex to model. While an emotional AI algorithm might well read human emotions, it cannot do emotional tasks akin to being self-aware and experiencing deep empathy. And for the foreseeable future, our relatively minimal understanding of consciousness will limit the consciousness we can program artificially.”)
- Ethics and Emotional Intelligence in a Future of AI (How can an ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-LED (AI-LED) future address issues related to ETHICS and EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE? Is it ever possible?”Bottom line: AI cannot become truly emotionally intelligent; for one, the brain circuitry that gives rise to this human skill set is too complex to model. While an emotional AI algorithm might well read human emotions, it cannot do emotional tasks akin to being self-aware and experiencing deep empathy. And for the foreseeable future, our relatively minimal understanding of consciousness will limit the consciousness we can program artificially.”)
- Most uni students get a job within months of finishing but some courses do better than others (Despite some positive interpretations of “Graduate Outcomes Survey”, there appear to be some CONCERNING TRENDS in UNIVERSITY EDUCATION in Australia!”…there is also A HUGE NUMBER of GRADUATES NOT USING SKILLS THEY ACQUIRED AT UNIVERSITY WHEN THEY GET A JOB.ONLY 57 PER CENT of UNDERGRADUATES who were employed full time following university felt THEIR QUALIFICATION WAS IMPORTANT for their current employment.OVERALL, 39 PER CENT of UNDERGRADUATES in full-time and part-time jobs reported that THEIR SKILLS AND EDUCATION were NOT FULLY UTILISED.”)
- What the next 20 years will mean for jobs – and how to prepare (PREPARING/CHANGING our education systems for the NEEDS OF THE EMERGING FUTURE – great strategic advice and insights for decision/policy-makers!”SKILLS, NOT COLLEGE PEDIGREE will be what matters for the future workforce – so while we should MAKE SURE COLLEGE IS AFFORDABLE, we should also MAKE SURE HIGHER EDUCATION IS STILL WORTH THE COST, or REVISIT IT ENTIRELY and leverage more progressive approaches to skills training.””We need to build an education system for LIFELONG LEARNING – AND A CULTURE THAT PROMOTES IT. REWIRING THE SYSTEM should BEGIN WITH PRE-KINDERGARTEN, which should be free and compulsory, while education should remain similarly accessible throughout someone’s working life.””GOVERNMENTS CAN TAX COMPANIES whose former workers end up being unemployed or take lower-paying jobs – both of which are signs they’ve under-invested in their workforces. These types of policy should lead to positive-sum outcomes across the workforce:”)
- Veterinarians abandon profession as suicide rate remains alarmingly high (ISSUES of selecting VETERINARY SCIENCE as UNIVERSITY EDUCATION!”The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) website advises that vets are at a “significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population”””While other healthcare professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses are around twice as likely to commit suicide than the general population, veterinarians have been shown to be up to four times more likely to fall victim to suicide,” the website states.””Dr Rosen is a partner at the Tanawha practice, which is equipped with ultrasound machines, x-ray machines and other emergency medical equipment you would find in a hospital, but the veterinary practice must rely on pet owners, not the government, to pay an animal’s bill.”)
- AI and electric cars could push ‘traditional’ auto makers under sooner than we think (AI (Artificial Intelligence) REVOLUTION/DISRUPTION led impacts on the CAR INDUSTRY (including dealerships and car insurance companies – DRIVERLESS and ELECTRIC cars etc.) most likely starting as early as in 3 years.)
ON HOMELESSNESS, SOCIAL SECURITY AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
- The man without a home(Is homelessness a problem with the person without a home, society, governments or status quo?)
- Upcoming federal budget (and housing affordability around the globe): Leilani Farha (This is a classic example of how contemporary social problems are so entangled and integrated together – housing affordability, investment, safe wealth parking, inequality, foreign buyers, globalisation, narrow short-term economic development only perspective etc. Are these levels of increasing inequality and decreasing housing affordability (globally) sustainable? Are we heading to chaotic futures globally? What are the remedies taken by governments and policy-makers? Are they SENSITIVE enough to these issues or cannot picture out the real nature? Where can we find leaders SENSITIVE to these issues? Can our contemporary education systems produce such leaders? Or do they produce leaders of only narrow specialisations with single discipline views? Can at least the UN provide right guidance and direction towards sustainability?)
- Wayne Robinson’s journey from ‘humiliating’ homelessness to ‘beautiful artwork’(Homelessness and Human Potential – Very Intriguing! Some Disappointing Statistics about Survival Rate after being Homeless!)
- Real estate a money laundering loophole in Australia(How the skyrocketing housing market in Australia is related to global money laundering activities – some eye openers!)
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- Finland pays unemployed citizens a monthly income in trial(Can we provide the basic needs so that individuals are better prepared to produce creative outputs?)
- House prices: When will we get to the point that we just say NO?(Are we diligent enough to take all factors into consideration when making an important decision like this? Or, are we just giving in to our emotions? Are we metacognitive enough?)
- Westpac: Landmark Federal Court case over lending practices sends messageto other banks (Is this how financial institutes make record profits even when times of economic downturn? Are they accountable enough for their machine geerated decisions? Is the liability only lies with the borrower, including the mortgage insurance? How just and sustainable is this approach or system? Will this create a mass scale social problem?)
- Home ownership in Australia in decline for three decades: Grattan Institute(An interesting trend analysis in housing affordability in the country that holds the world record for the highest number of quarters without an economic recession! It good and appropriate to see mainstream media openly discussing permanent renting options in Australia similar to many other advanced economies.)
- Homelessness: What can Australia learn from Finland’s housing solution?“Permanent housing cheaper for governments” – yes they would most likely save from many other long-term expenses such as mental health-related issues, hospital bills, justice system related issues, prisons, lost productivity etc. etc. (the list will go on).
- Why your council rates should be three times higher(Very interesting and pragmatic change-proposals to some important taxes – the introduction of property tax instead of stamp duty and insurance payments! Mainly it can be a change of perspective – paying an ongoing tax vs one-off tax at the time of purchase. Many would like to keep away from an ongoing tax while more positive about one payment.)
- ‘Too old to keep going’: Older people at risk of homelessness jumps by 50pc in NSW, data shows(Where are the solutions coming to these negative trends developing? Where is the sustainability of our societies?)
- Poorer Australians bear the brunt of rising housing costs(Very interesting and useful trend analysis – home ownership over a period of over 35 years. It is not surprising that homeownership depends on the income/wealth level. However, this dramatic decrease in homeownership among low-income earners has been the result DESPITE having an ongoing period of over 26 years of recession-free economic growth in Australia. How can this be explained? Does this mean higher/better economic growth relates to increasing inequality/decreasing housing affordability/increasing negative social conditions and lower social sustainability?)
- A tale of two cities reveals vast gulf in housing affordability(Interestingly, it appears that the value of a house/unit/property is mainly decided by the location rather than the condition of the house/unit. A house built 30-40 years ago will have more or less the same value as that of a relatively new one (however, we cannot disregard that older blocks have larger land sizes, but new houses could have better conditions such as higher energy ratings). Further, house prices in different suburbs of the same state/province can vary vastly purely for reasons such as the availability of popular primary/secondary schools. As a result, it appears, somewhat strangely though, that if one is looking for a more affordable place to live, he/she will have to go to the extreme extents of relocating.)
- Real estate: Australia’s property market is riskier than Canada’s, here’s why(An interesting comparison of the housing market in two similar economies/countries – Australia and Canada! Which one has a higher risk?)
- Property auctions: Meet the smooth talkers who wield the gavels( Another demonstration of extreme competition/by hook or crook instincts fostered by the status quo in action.”An emotional nation of gamblers””A lot of the other major markets in the world — London, New York, Milan — they don’t tend to auction,” Robert Klaric said.”By contrast, about 70 per cent of the houses on the Australian market tend to be sold by auction, he said.””Mr Klaric said he thought that was because Australia is a betting nation.”” And that, he said, was going to have an influence on the market.””I think the market has been distorted, and the auction system has sort of added fuel to the fire.”)
- Dutch auctions revealed as ethical grey area in property market(Malpractices of real estate industry add salt to the wounds of customers who are at the receiving end of the Banks in Australia ( as revealed in the Royal Commission) “if the vendor is open to offers, it’s then up to the agent to act as the go-between, liaising with both the seller and the interested buyer. But what if the agent takes on multiple offers for the property, and in the process reveals to all bidders what each is offering? It is known in the industry as a Dutch auction, an ethical grey area that thousands of agents are exploiting around the country.” “Those in the industry concede there is simply no way of knowing how many other bidders exist in a Dutch auction — or indeed if there are any other bidders at all.”)
- We’re spending billions on the housing crisis — so why is homelessness in Australia getting worse?(Important statistics from Australia in relation to social sustainability – trend analysis in homelessness figures. Useful metrics for policy/decision makers to give due diligent attention. “Rough sleeping — a term which refers to living outside or in a car — has gone up by 20 per cent since 2011.” “Policy experts agree one of the main culprits pushing up homelessness is the housing affordability crisis.” It could happen to anyone. “Rima… and her son have somewhere to live at the moment, but they have been without a home, on and off, for a decade. “I was 29, I was an area manager for fast food, so I actually had a very good career where I could afford to pay and I did pay private rent for years. But I had a domestic violence relationship and I had to leave everything.””)
ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG RELIANCE
- Ice addiction treatment demand surging, but alcohol still Australia’s biggest problem (Isn’t this a concerning trend that shouldn’t be neglected? Are we heading away from social sustainability?)
- Ice addiction ‘pales into insignificance’ compared to harms linked to alcohol abuse, AMA says (Some interesting statistics on alcohol abuse and a comparison with drug abuse! Is alcohol reliance related to the novelty-seeking feature of the human brain? Can the novelty-seeking desires of the brain be satiated with an exposure and encouragement to lifelong/continuous new learning? Should we be able to address these issues with a focus on human development aspects in our education systems at all levels?)
- Even Light Drinking May Raise Your Cancer Risk (The relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer seemed to be established from research.)
- Did Drinking Give Me Breast Cancer? (The relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer! “I quickly discovered that way back in 1988, the World Health Organization declared alcohol a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it’s been proved to cause cancer. There is no known safe dosage in humans, according to the WHO. Alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, but it kills more women from breast cancer than from any other. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that for every drink consumed daily, the risk of breast cancer goes up 7 percent.” “The research linking alcohol to breast cancer is deadly solid. There’s no controversy here. Alcohol, regardless of whether it’s in Everclear or a vintage Bordeaux, is carcinogenic. More than 100 studies over several decades have reaffirmed the link with consistent results. The National Cancer Institute says alcohol raises breast cancer risk even at low levels.”)
ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
- Australian police deal with domestic violence every two minutes(Is this where our society is heading to? Is it the outcome of our contemporary education system?)
- WHO says violence against women is a ‘global health issue’(Are these the outcomes of our education systems’ inability to fulfil the essential need of “whole individual” development that addresses attention regulation (AR), emotion regulation (ER) and cognitive regulation (CR)? Education needs to be broadly defined beyond obtaining a limited set of skills in a specific disciplinary area. It essentially needs to incorporate generic attributes such as AR, ER, CR, critical thinking and creativity etc. Recent neuroscience research reveals that mindfulness and compassion training practices as part of the mainstream education system help us making appropriate positive changes (due to neuroplasticity feature) in our learners’ brains.)
- Vincent Shin: Australia’s first school lawyer confronts family violence in his past (Some important lessons to be learned! How many of individuals in similar situations survive to be positively contributing social members? (How many will be sieved out of the system? Can human potential be portrayed accurately in an examination or under time-limited examination conditions?)
ON SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL ISSUES
- Is having a baby unethical?(A reasonable question to ponder. There could be many ways/perspectives of looking at that. “And when — if ever — is it right to inflict another resource guzzler onto an already-guzzled world? What’s more, our children will have to live in this resource-guzzled world and, if some of the climate trends are to be believed, it might not be the nicest place to live. For Rieder, this view is summarised by a comment made by a New York Times reader, who wrote: “I love my children so much I didn’t have them.””)
- Australia’s cheating scandal is about more than cricket( An insightful elaboration on the status quo! Do we have any chance at all to get out from this messy social state? It is in such a dire state that may require at least a complete generation for a meaningful transformation if appropriate corrective actions are taken now from the grassroots.” Amid all the hyperventilating, outrage and disappointment at our cheating cricketers, we would do well to take a closer look at our society and how it has bred a winner-takes-all, win-at-all-costs attitude.”Right from infancy, the younger generation is pushed to win-at-any-cost/ (extreme competition – by hook or crook) – beat others in tests/exams/scholarships/top schools/top unis/ top employers/top jobs/top salaries/ and away from personal well-being as well as social responsibilities disregarding the highly interconnected/interdependent nature of our social operations/survival. Individuals live in continued arousal of fight/flight state away from homeostasis sacrificing their level of immunity, resilience and overall well-being (as revealed in neuroscience research).”Are cricketers morally any different from the corrupt bankers who lured vulnerable unsuspecting customers into elaborate financial schemes that eventually unravelled, tipping us into the global financial crash of 2009? “)
- UK companies will have to explain CEO pay(UK follows the USA in making legislative changes on CEO (Executive) pay. Interesting and worthwhile developments in major economies towards “responsible capitalism”, if that is the way forward.”The measure has been welcomed by equal pay campaigners as well as business and investor groups. Several companies have faced public outrage over excessive executive pay.””Most of the UK’s largest companies get their business practices right but we understand the anger of workers and shareholders when boss’ pay is out of step with company performance,” Business Secretary Greg Clark said in a statement.””Last month, AstraZeneca (AZN) faced an embarrassing rebuke from investors over executive pay after the pharmaceutical company revealed a 46% drop in operating profits for the first quarter.””Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA) also suffered a bruising shareholder revolt when more than a quarter of investors voted against a multimillion euro payout for CEO Ben van Beurden.”)
Click Here to Expand-Collapse
- “Afraid to Have Children”: Climate scientists reveal their fears for the future(This could only be one concern for to be parents!)
- What’s wrong with being ‘fair and balanced’?( Hats off for ABC for pushing in the right direction – being fair and balanced! )
- Cape Town residents dread ‘disaster’ as city waits for water to run out(An emerging humanitarian disaster at the hands of nature! Where to from here?)
- The silent epidemic of elder abuse in our suburbs(How did we get here? Hoe can we get out of here? Something for our social/political leaders to ponder. ” the World Health Organisation estimates about one in six people aged older than 60 will be victims each year. An official definition is also hard to pin down, though experts agree it involves the abuse of an older person — whether physical, psychological, financial or by neglect — by a person they trust.”)
- Life insurers to feel the heat under new industry crackdown(Not surprising! Life Insurance industry is behaving no different to the banking industry in Australia (as currently being revealed in the royal commission). Concerningly, yet again affirms a broader societal issue than an isolated matter.)
- Dr Stuart Palmer from Australian Ethical speaks to the Business(Dumping AMP on ethical investment grounds – we need more organisations and individuals to follow suit by giving emphasis on ethical investments. Ethical behaviours, even though seen as an optional soft requirement, it is the leading indicator of a society’s productivity/sustainability/sustainable development in the longer run. Consequently, organisations, as well as individuals, who look forward to strategic directions with a social responsibility, should seriously consider investing on an ethical basis towards developing healthy societies.)
- Property Council warns Australia still has work to do on urban liveability(Uban liveability of Australia – performance lagging behind perceptions (or the product is lagging behind the brand) compared to many other comparable cities. Infrastructure and transport systems are key measures and infrastructure development is not keeping up with population growth. Some leading indicators for decision-makers to pay attention before it is too late (if not already)!)
- Chemistry of Connection(The value of integration/interconnectedness at every level starting from individuals (as in formal definitions of wisdom/consciousness) and radiating towards the whole globe towards the sustainability of our planet – great insights!”Peace begins within, then radiates outward to our families, friends, and communities to create a greater sense of interconnection at every level. To bring more peace in our world, we can start by connecting more GENUINELY WITHIN OURSELVES, integrating fragmented patterns that create the illusion of separateness into a more integrated sense of interconnectedness.””Now more than ever we need to work to resolve our differences by acknowledging a shared attunement that facilitates empathy while not insisting the other agree with us. We can turn toward compassion as our default mode.”)
- Childhood stress leaves lasting mark on genes (A much-needed EYE-OPENER on the significant lasting NEGATIVE impacts of CHILDHOOD STRESS! “One of the results of Pollak’s work on ABUSE, NEGLECT, POVERTY and other challenges in the life of a CHILD is, according to Alisch, a particularly useful method of characterizing the types and severity of stress through detailed interviews with both the children and their parents.”)
- Liberal Party’s civil war isn’t over — it’s part of a global battle (Australia is on a path to following Britain and the USA towards POPULISM politics/extremism! In fact isn’t this a proof that this is a GLOBAL TREND? Can’t we address/implement solutions to this new trend with a HUMAN FACE/WITH A MODERATE FOCUS enhancing collaborations and interconnectedness instead of alienation and animosity?”Internationally, people are reclaiming the idea of national identity; there is a blowback against globalisation; a rejection of political elites and politics-as-usual; immigration, free trade, energy policy have become defining issues.””Politics is becoming increasingly polarised and fractured.It is disrupting democracies, redefining ideological boundaries; trade barriers have gone back up, borders have been strengthened.””Populism and the politics of identity have given cover to ugly strains of extremism and xenophobia the world thought it had banished forever.” )
- The 2018 Essentials: Emotional Intelligence (The TIPPING POINT between “HARD SKILLS” and “SOFT SKILLS” – are we there yet? Maybe we are being pushed hard in that direction by the unavoidable social conditions/situations for the purpose of our own SURVIVAL as a WHOLE/SOCIETY/PLANET! )
- Beth Noveck on how open data and direct democracy could restore our faith in politics (DIRECT DEMOCRACY and OPEN DATA to restore faith in POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE – a great insight indeed! People participating directly in decision-making instead of powering/voting politicians once and allowing them to take decisions what they think is right on behalf of the voters. Instead we can rely on data/evidence and collective intelligence in an ongoing manner by making use of digital technology/media!”What we are trying to do is to get beyond the idea that public institutions, the quality of our democracy really, is limited to the notion of voting.” “”Whether we are lawyers or judges or data scientists or computer scientists or stay-at-home mums or dads, we all have expertise and knowledge and experience, often lived experience,” ” “..benefit from.. “diverse intelligence” of a community” “I think where [democracy] is headed, where it could be headed, is towards a very great and robust future of greater collaboration, of deeper democracy, of stronger institutions and more active citizenship.” “It’s … combining open data and new sources of information with people who know how to use that information that actually allow us to derive insights and solve problems in new ways,” Professor Noveck explains.”
- Stand up to Bullies (Handling BULLYING! Great ADVICE.”The abuse of power can be called many things, including intimidation, fraud, discrimination, and tyranny. I’ll use a term that’s down-to-earth and gets at our nature as social primates: bullying.Bullies are unfortunately common. Throughout history and right now today, from homes and schoolyards to boardrooms and presidential palaces, they create a vast amount of human suffering. What can we do””Bullies areDominating – Have to be the “alpha”; fear of looking “one-down”; thus must find targets who seem weaker; no compassionDefensive – Never wrong; fault and scorn others; avoid personal responsibilityDeceptive – Manipulate grievances to gain support; blame scapegoats; cheat; hide truth since power is based on lies””Bullying is enabled and fostered by underlying conditions. For example, the political system might have become unfairly tilted in the bully’s favour; tilt it back. Bullies draw power from the grievances of others; address those grievances and reduce the bully’s power””Disengage as much as possible from ruminating on helpless outrage, fantasies of payback, and fault-finding others “who aren’t doing enough.” Bad enough that the bully is out there in the world. Try not to let the bully invade your own mind”)
- A new kind of capitalism needs a new generation of inspired–and inspiring–leaders (INSPIRED -AND INSPIRING- LEADERS within a NEW kind of CAPITALISM! The need of the era – shifting from EXTRACTIVE CAPITALISM to GENERATIVE CAPITALISM.”Inspired leaders can create forward momentum for their organizations much more efficiently–in both societal and financial impact. These organizations contribute more to the world than they extract; we think of this as generative capitalism, distinct from the extractive capitalism that results from leaders with a wealth and power orientation. Generative capitalism contributes new value to the world; extractive capitalism reallocates existing value.”)
- Poverty isn’t a lack of character; it is a lack of cash (Thinking differently/flexibly/open-mindedly (to come over the status quo) is the easy solution to perennial problems! Systems thinking of identifying and solving the root cause instead of trying to treat the symptoms! The value of a universal basic income towards sustainability.)
- How Good People Can Fight Bias (Fighting BIAS for the GREATER GOOD – some great insights leading to SOCIAL JUSRICE/SUSTAINABILITY!”According to Chugh, noticing differences between people is a natural part of being a human being. But, because society so often marginalizes certain groups of people—such as women, transgender people, or the differently abled—we are all swimming in a “soup” of bias that enters our brains and is hard to dislodge. Even people with very pronounced beliefs in equality and social inclusion will carry bias, often at an unconscious level.””Because of this, some people face “headwinds” that hold them back, while others are pushed ahead by “tailwinds.” Evidence of these headwinds and tailwinds show up in many ways, including wealth inequality, health disparities, and biases in the criminal justice system. While we may see ourselves as innocent in creating these inequities, we are still benefiting from them…which makes them hard to resist. Chugh encourages us to face this fact and act as change agents, rather than absolving ourselves.
- Satyagraha Special Section: Blueprints of Freedom (“SATYAGRAHA” going to AMERICA through MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr, and his connection to GANDHI!”King was at a meeting during the Montgomery bus boycott, when segregationists bombed his house. He rushed back and found his wife Coretta and their baby Yolanda unharmed. Outside his damaged home, an angry, armed black crowd confronted the white policemen at the scene. The situation was edging toward violence when King raised one hand to quiet the crowd. “I WANT YOU TO GO HOME AND PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS,” he said. “WE CANNOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM THROUGH RETALIATORY VIOLENCE. WE MUST MEET VIOLENCE WITH NONVIOLENCE .… We must meet hate with love.” According to the white policemen there that night, King’s calming words in the heat of racial violence saved their lives. King’s use of skillful means (upaya kushala) brought something uniquely redemptive to the struggle for black liberation in America; he established the actions of the Civil Rights movement as morally superior to those of its opposition. However, King never sought to humiliate his opponents. A practitioner of SATYAGRAHA endeavors to respect his opponent, retain him as friend.. provide him with a way to save face during their encounter..can maintain…dignity ..join the ranks of the enlightened”)
- After 25 years studying innovation, here is what I have learned (Do we have ACCOUNTANTS in HEAVEN? The answer is coming from a BUSINESS PROFESSOR at HARVARD!”As I have thought about all the things I have accomplished as a Harvard Business School professor, the co-founder of many organizations, and a husband, father, and friend, I learned one of the most important lessons of my life: God does not hire accountants in heaven.””But God is different. Because he has an infinite mind, he does not need to aggregate above the level of an individual. As I thought about this, I realized that the way God would measure my life is different than how we measure each other’s. Instead of aggregating all my accomplishments, comparing them with the accomplishments of my friends and colleagues, and then giving me a grade, he would simply want to know how I helped other people. It will not be about my degrees, books, or awards, but about the lives I was able to assist along the way.Solving our toughest problems may not be as simple as asking better questions, but it’s certainly the right way to start. “)
- Daniel Goleman: Meditation Changes the World (POSITIVE CHANGES in ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE through MEDITATION/MINDFULNESS that starts with developing the ABILITY TO FOCUS/PAY ATTENTION! Conceptually very simple notion but practically hugely challenging.”Daniel and Stew talk about the many ways in which meditation reaps benefits in all aspects of our lives. Relationships at home and at work improve as we are able to shift focus from self to others with compassion, empathy, and caring. Focus and attention, memory and retention, and productivity are all strengthened as we are calmer and clearer. They talk about the burgeoning interest in meditation and mindfulness and Daniel describes the growing body of evidence demonstrating its benefits. He notes how much can be achieved immediately in just five or ten minutes a day.”)
- Join us for our Annual Interpersonal Neurobiology Conference (Two great authors/medical practitioners of our time (JON KABAT ZINN and DANIEL SIEGEL) are discussing “TIMELESS WISDOM, TIMELY ACTION” – MINDFULNESS practices leading to the development of understanding in MULTIDIMENSIONALITY and INTERCONNECTEDNESS of the UNIVERSE)
- Is it time to rethink the traditional IQ test? (Some explanations as to why EQ (EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE/Quotient) has become a more prominent and a widely-used measure than IQ (Intelligence Quotient) for LIFE SUCCESS and in particular, EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP!”Dr Florio suggests that the IQ test might help us see who will be successful in a TRADITIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEM, which was its original purpose, but that it is NOT THE BE ALL l and END ALL about who’s smart and who isn’t””…several criticisms about the breadth of the IQ test, which…measures linguistic and logical-mathematical abilities and not MOTIVATION, PERSONALITY OR CREATIVITY””It’s gone down a NARROW PATHWAY””He’s not alone in criticising the test””…there has been a perennial debate about WHETHER there is ONE GENERAL INTELLIGENCE””…IQ test doesn’t necessarily accommodate that “individuals are COMPLICATED WITH MANY ASPECTS TO THEM”—pointing to similar concerns raised by the test’s very founder””French psychologist Alfred Binet, who developed the IQ test over 100 years ago, feared the test—initially designed to help measure the ‘mental age’ of a child-COULD BE TOO LIMITED””Binet stressed that intelligence was far too broad a concept to quantify with a single number…he designed the test as a way to help identify children with learning difficulties”)
- The Kindness Cure (How MINDFULNESS/MEDITATION leads to KINDNESS/COMPASSION in addition to ENHANCED COGNITIVE ABILITY, MEMORY and LEARNING CAPACITIES!”In short, then, our research suggests that MINDFULNESS’S MOST PROFOUND BENEFIT may not be the one that’s most often touted—adapting to a stressful, competitive, even unkind 24/7 world. Instead, meditation might FUNDAMENTALLY ALTER HOW WE TREAT THOSE WHO ARE AROUND us. Corporations, physicians, and policy-makers who now push mindfulness as a technique for self-enhancement and physical wellbeing would do well to focus more on its potential for PREVENTING everything from BULLYING to DOMESTIC VIOLENCE to callousness and indifference. To see why, one only need look at the impressive results stemming from a meditation program that the Center for Wellness and Achievement Education recently offered in Visitation Valley School—a junior-high school in one of San Francisco’s poorest neighborhoods where violence was a frequent occurrence. After providing instruction and instituting twice-daily meditation periods known a Quiet Time, a noticeable difference began to emerge. Over a four-year period, school records show that suspensions decreased by 79 percent.”)
- World Day of Social Justice – 20 February (SOCIAL JUSTICE by ACCEPTING/HONOURING unavoidable differences!”2019 THEME: If You Want PEACE & DEVELOPMENT, WORK FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.””Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we REMOVE BARRIERS that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.””For the UNITED NATIONS, the PURSUIT OF SOCIAL JUSTICE for all is at the core of our GLOBAL MISSION to promote development and HUMAN DIGNITY. The adoption by the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a FAIR GLOBALISATION is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice.”)
- Australian school principals attacked and threatened at record levels, report finds (Yet another DISTURBING TREND – the dire need for focusing on SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL learning (based on the principles of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE) for all kids/students at an early stage as possible.”The alarming report found 45 per cent of principals were threatened with violence in 2018, and 37 per cent were attacked — a steady rise and the highest levels since the survey began in 2011″2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Threats of violence 37.9 37.4 37.7 35.9 41.1 43.8 44.6 45Physical violence 27.3 37.9 28.8 27 31.3 33.6 36.1 37)
- Christchurch shootings remind us that in the war of identity, the casualties aren’t strangers — they’re our neighbours (In today’s CONNECTED WORLD of numerous ways, one question we may ask is – if anyone of us is SAFE? Where are the solutions to this dire state coming from?”Christians, Jews, Muslims, people JUST LIKE US who have FAMILIES, who PLAY sport, SHARE food, LOVE, LAUGH and PRAYBall sacrificed to the scourge of our age, terrorism.””The latest attacks in New Zealand remind us again — as if we needed reminding — that NONE OF US anywhere, no matter what our faith, our race or our nationality are TRULY SAFE.””Our world is a complicated place, NEVER have we been MORE CONNECTED and YET we are so FEARFUL, MISTRUSTING and SUSPICIOUS of each other.In a world where there are some who come to power by appealing to humanity’s worst instincts, we need those who can speak to what Abraham Lincoln called “THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE”.The SHIPWRECKED MINDS are setting fire to our world, they are killing our children and STEALING THE FUTURE.It is a war in which the casualties are NOT STRANGERS; it is a WAR that is KILLING OUR NEIGHBOURS.”)
- 5 Ways to Help Your Team Be Open to Change (The need to EMBRACE (unavoidable) CHANGE – the role of a CHANGEMAKER!”More than 90% of CEOs believe their companies will CHANGE MORE in the next five years than they did in the last five. Having a workforce that’s READY and ABLE to HARNESS that CHANGE will make the difference between SUCCESS and failure.””Leaders at every level NEED to EMBRACE and model how to engage in and AFFECT CHANGE. Personal leadership and engagement, however, is not enough. For change to be operationalized, you need to INSPIRE your team to be CREATIVE and enable them to INNOVATE. But innovation only happens when people are able to work in the gray space — where AMBIGUITY is okay and business principles, rather than hard and fast rules, apply.”)
- Why We Need the Feminine – Wise Woman Summit Sneak Peak (VALUES such as communication, DEEP LISTENING, and EMPATHY that were traditionally regarded as FEMININE/SOFT/NICE/SMALL are, in fact, PHENOMENAL in TRANSFORMING SOCIETIES and the WORLD at large – a great message!)
- Federal election: As economic challenges mount, is this a contest you’d be better off losing? (Why TAX REFORMS (just like any other REFORM) are more IMPORTANT than mere TAX CUTS for any GOVERNMENT elected for PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH!”However, Dr Joiner said the most important challenge a government should embrace after the election is boosting PRODUCTIVITY growth.””Fiscal stimulus is easy, so are rate cuts,” Dr Joiner said “PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS are HARDER, take time, more DIFFICULT to explain, but ULTIMATELY FAR MORE IMPORTANT.””That means things like tax reforms rather than tax cuts, further labour market REFORMS, EDUCATION and skills spending and INVESTING in productive infrastructure.””If Australia wants LIVING STANDARDS to continue to improve and be SUSTAINABLE as they have, we need PRODUCTIVITY growth.””SADLY, “PRODUCTIVITY growth” is not a slogan likely to pass muster with any focus group rounded up by POLITICAL OPERATIVES in coming weeks.””Most likely it will sit in the “TO BE considered” tray, while probably the best we can hope for in the short term is Treasury got its forecasts right this time.”)
- Customers laughing all the way to another bank(A highly PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT of very high promise in the wake of BANKING ROYAL COMMISSION revelations – OPEN BANKING, a notion that helps customers to CHANGE banks/financial institutes more EASILY by taking more INFORMED DECISIONS! The process is also supported by making it EASY for COMPETITORS to access CUSTOMERS’ FINANCIAL HISTORY and related data. A great notion that creates more COMPETITION that OPENS UP better saying for CUSTOMERS as well as SMALL LENDERS taking the MONOPOLY away from BIG FOUR (which would be the reason for creating HAVOC in the industry as revealed in the ROYAL COMMISSION).)
- EQ at the United Nations- UN Headquarters – First Emotional Intelligence Conference -Three Inspiring Insights on Peace, Learning, and our Future (Great to see EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE getting the attention of the UNITED NATIONS (UN)!”Imagine a world with NO POVERTY. With EQUITY for all. With THRIVING ENTERPRISE and ECOLOGICAL health. Imagine a world where WELLBEING FLOURISHES… for ALL of US.””In 2015, the United Nations, with input from over 10 million citizens, voted to implement the SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS… 17 ambitious challenges on which we must make significant progress by 2030. But how? In addition to legislation and enforcement, what are the HUMAN SKILLS we all NEED to FOSTER such a world?””At the first EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE conference held at the UNITED NATIONS’ Headquarters, May 17 2019, Daniel Goleman, Patricia Freedman, Richard Fernandez and other experts spoke on EQ and how the skills of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE can EMPOWER these vital GOALS.”)
- Federal election: This is Australia as 100 people (The VOTING PATTERN analysis that makes us conjecture on whether the TRUE MEANING of DEMOCRACY can be achieved without a broader understanding of the notion of SYSTEMS THINKING/CONNECTEDNESS OF DIVERSE SYSTEMS. Lack of such an understanding would prompt us to vote to get a FEW DOLLARS into our individual/personal WALLET (clearer/narrower short-term goal) while an enhanced understanding of such notions would implicitly direct us to vote for getting BETTER SYSTEMS around us (less obvious/broader long-term goal) to which we are directly or indirectly CONNECTED in an undeniable manner. Then comes the question, if voters are prompted to vote for SURVIVAL (getting a few dollars in the pocket), what existing SOCIAL CONDITIONS have put them into such a VULNERABLE fight or flight circumstances? Next, can we EMPOWER VOTERS – the DECISION-MAKERS- to be broader, and thereby to benefit from TRUE DEMOCRACY by notions such as UNIVERSAL BASI INCOME (UBI) as experimented by societies? Further, isn’t this a clear case for EMPHASISING SYSTEMS THINKING/CONNECTEDNESS of SYSTEMS in all our EDUCATION SYSTEMS to direct our societies towards SUSTAINABILITY?)
- Being Well Podcast: Communicating Without Violence with Oren Jay Sofer (NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION (NVC) the ever-important phenomenon (cannot be overemphasised) in WICKED-PROBLEM-SOLVING, developing POSITIVE CULTURES and improving PRODUCTIVITY! How would NVC be immense value in all important endeavours of SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION? How can one preserve one’s VALUES and INTEGRITY when the other party does not participate in NVC? Some great insights.)
- The world is broken—and human kindness is the only solution (The only way to FIX the BROKEN SYSTEMS – COMPASSION!”PROMOTING the RETURN ON INVESTMENT of COMPASSION is one way to get the attention of a selfish world. Now the question is: How do we FOSTER COMPASSION within systems designed to REWARD those who aren’t compassionate?””Forty years of NEO-LIBERAL, free-market policies created WIDENING INEQUITIES, falling incomes and a sense of DESPERATION, he says. “There’s FRUSTRATION with a POLITICAL SYSTEM that puts party above UNIVERSAL PROGRESS, majorities in Parliament over collaboration.” “”The LOUDEST cries for COMPASSION, tellingly, are heard within systems literally created to CARE for people. COMPASSIONOMIC: The Revolutionary SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE that Caring Makes a Difference, by American PHYCISION-SCIENTISTS Stephen Trzeciak and Anthony Mazzarelli, published in April, is the latest book to SOUND the ALARM about SYSTEMIC INHUMANITY within “PATIENT-BASED” medicine. The authors identify a “COMPASSION CRISIS” in U.S. health care; treating patients more kindly, they argue, improves health outcomes, reduces DOCTOR BURNOUT and LOWERS COSTS.”)
- An Introduction to Interpersonal Neurobiology by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. (BINDING all the SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE together into ONE VIEW – INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY. Why INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY is of paramount importance to every one of us – CONNECTION what is DEEP inside us to what id DEEP in OTHERS! It combines scientific notions from many disciplines, namely biology, neuroscience, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and so on to expose us to a truly INTERDISCIPLINARY and FASCINATING body of knowledge.)
- Dan Siegel – Interpersonal Neurobiology: Why Compassion is Necessary for Humanity (World-renowned author/psychiatrist/psychologist DAN SIEGEL elaborates on INTEGRATED, RECEPTIVE STATES OF MIND (such as COMPASSION, EMPATHY, KINDNESS ETC.) that LEAD to WELL-BEING, as opposed to disintegrative, REACTIVE STATES such as ANGER, HATRED, SADNESS etc..)
- Dan Siegel: “Presence, Parenting, and the Planet” | Talks at Google (World RENOWNED AUTHOR/PSYCHIATRIST/PSYCHOLOGIST DAN SIEGEL talking at GOOGLE on why the WORLD IS ON FIRE and what would happen in about 10-15 years if we don’t take action! The action PLAN is: 4Ss AS A PARENT (Seen, Sooth, Safety, Secure), 3Ps (Presence, Parenting, Planet ), 2Rs (Receptive, Reactive) and 1M (Me + We = MWe).In our CONTEMPORARY CULTURE based on SELF surrounded by our BODY/SKIN (lacking CONNECTEDNESS to the EXTERNAL WORLD/SYSTEMS) making our CHILDREN SICK (get more money, get a big house, get a big car, own a factory….ALL FOR YOURSELF).We are NOT on a SUSTAINABLE PATH – it is actually a LETHAL PATH. How can we get back to a SUSTAINABLE PATH, whether as a PAREN RAISING A NEXT GENERATION CHILD or a GLOBAL CITIZEN?)
- Simon Sinek Announces Optimism Press (Optimism Press – what a GREAT notion and agenda from Simon Sinek to BUILD an ideal WORLD that doesn’t exist at the moment by collecting all GOOD IDEAS from different authors/individuals – the notion of COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE.)
- Take Action! Inspire Change! (Everyone’s DUTY to make the world a BETTER PLACE – cannot be overemphasised!”Today we should all ask ourselves: What have I done to improve the surroundings in which I live? Do I litter or do I protect my surroundings? Do I buy stolen goods or do I help reduce crime? – Nelson Mandela”)
- Social and Emotional Learning in Post-Conflict Situations (It is indeed great to see that the notions of EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE and SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING are spreading and being applied around all corners of the world!”We need to teach children NOT ONLY how to do math and read English, but also how to UNDERSTAND and NAVIGATE their EMOTIONS, how to FOCUS, and ADAPT, and how to build positive CONNECTIONS with others. SEL should be incorporated into post-conflict child PROTECTION, EDUCATION, and REINTEGRATION programs to help kids who suffer from child trafficking, extreme violence, and war injustices.”)
- Poor parenting epidemic leading to ’emotionally abused’ kids, John Marsden says ()A very important and MUCH-NEEDED (though very difficult) AWARENESS-RAISING, PUBLIC DISCUSSION on giving KIDS/CHILDREN the right ENVIRONMENTS to LEARN and DEVELOP based on evidence/research outcomes! They essentially need to come from individuals of the calibre of John Marsden to have an impact, if at all.”Marsden said he felt things had become “POWERFULLY WORSE” for kids in recent years and he lay a LARGE part of the BLAME on mums and dads who didn’t know how to PARENT EFFECTIVELY””He described it as “EMOTIONAL ABUSE” by those in the “RESPECTABLE Australian middle-class, which comprises MOST of the population nowadays”.””It’s NOT VISIBLE in the way that PHYSICAL ABUSE is, because there are no cigarette burns or bruises or black eyes, but there is TERRIBLE DAMAGE and it’s damage that CAN’T be ever FULLY REPAIRED. It’s LIFELONG.””Marsden said it was often suffocating or overprotective parenting that could lead to things like ADDICTIVE behaviour, DEPRESSION, ANGER, CRIME and a feeling of HELPLESSNESS because kids didn’t learn COPING mechanisms.””He said it was going unnoticed and he saw NO PUBLIC DISCUSSION around the issue for a couple of reasons)
- Grey fingers: Ageing Singapore uses gardening to fight loneliness (Overcoming the challenges of AGING as LIFE-EXPECTANCY goes up in general!”As people LIVE LONGER the World Health Organization predicts that one in five – 2 BILLION people – will be aged 60 or older by 2050, double that of 2015″”MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS are on the rise worldwide and could cost the global economy up to $16 TRILLION between 2010 and 2030, causing LASTING HARM to people and communities…””…the “therapeutic” gardens, uses fragrant plants and herbs to stimulate the senses in areas near nursing homes, in a bid to reduce CONDITIONS associated with AGING such as DEMENTIA and ALZHEIMER’s””Better urban design and friendlier public spaces could rekindle a sense of COMMUNITY and boost MENTAL HEALTH.. the U.N. projects more than TWO-THIRDS of the world will live in cities by 2050″”Elderly SUICIDES in Singapore have been driven by a lack of SOCIAL CONNECTION and a growing fear of being a burden on one’s family, said the SOS, a leading suicide prevention group.””It’s not good coming together and becoming denser … if that DENSITY doesn’t allow you to be MORE SOCIAL and to have MEANINGFUL BONDS, said architect Itai Palti, based in Britain where the government says LONELINESS is a MAJOR HEALTH issue.”)
Inflation may be very low but our cost of living is rising much faster (An UNSUSTAINABLE (and difficult to explain/paradoxical)TREND in the Australian ECONOMY – LOW INFLATION and HIGH COST OF LIVING!
“As Anthony Doyle points out, it happens that many of the goods and services that have experienced the biggest PRICE INCREASES are those ESSIONALS that people have to buy CONSTANTLY, while most of the PRICE FALLS have affected goods you only buy OCCASIONALLY, such as a new phone or car.”
“The categories that have experienced rapid price inflation, like SECONDARY-EDUCATION school fees, you pay every quarter, CHILDCARE, you pay this week-in, week-out, HOUSING— you can’t avoid that, you need shelter,”)
- Inflation may be very low but our cost of living is rising much faster (An UNSUSTAINABLE (and difficult to explain/paradoxical)TREND in the Australian ECONOMY – LOW INFLATION and HIGH COST OF LIVING! “As Anthony Doyle points out, it happens that many of the goods and services that have experienced the biggest PRICE INCREASES are those ESSIONALS that people have to buy CONSTANTLY, while most of the PRICE FALLS have affected goods you only buy OCCASIONALLY, such as a new phone or car.” “The categories that have experienced rapid price inflation, like SECONDARY-EDUCATION school fees, you pay every quarter, CHILDCARE, you pay this week-in, week-out, HOUSING— you can’t avoid that, you need shelter,”)
- Kenneth Hayne says trust in institutions has been ‘destroyed’ in scathing attack on modern politics (The STATUS QUO of PUBLIC DEBATE and PUBLIC and PRIVATE INSTITUTES from the EYES of an INFLUENTIAL and PROMINENT former HIGH COURT JUDGE! “Trust in institutions has been “DESTROYED” and POLICY DEBATES have been replaced by “three or FOUR WORD SLOGANS”, according to the man who led the ROYAL COMMISSION into the BANKING SECTOR.” “REASONED DEBATES about ISSUES of POLICY are now RARE” “And POLITICAL RHETORIC now resorts to the LANGUAGE of WAR, seeking to PORTRAY OPPOSING VIEWS as presenting EXISTENTIAL THREATS to SOCIETY as we now know it.” “TRUST in ALL sorts of INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENTAL and PRIVATE, has been DAMAGED or DESTROYED.” “Mr Hayne is a former HIGH COURT JUDGE whose final report from the BANKING ROYAL COMMISSION recommended SWEEPING CHANGES to the sector.”)
- Younger generation at risk of not being as well off as their parents, report finds (Prospects of a BLEAKER FUTURE are at HIGH STAKES for the YOUNGER GENERATION! Calls for appropriate POLICY CHANGES as a matter of urgency to minimise the SOCIAL DAMAGE/to progress towards SUSTAINABILITY!)
- Meditation, Kindness, and Compassion: The Secret to Your Life and Financial Abundance (A wonderful discussion (on the notions of kindness, empathy, compassion and meditation) between the EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE PIONEER Dr DANIEL GOLMAN and Dr MARK HAYMAN about guiding OUR PLANET to SUSTAINABILITY!)
- Where questions are the answer – building companies that disrupt themselves (The emerging STRATEGY of SELF-DISRUPTION by asking the right QUESTIONS (without necessarily finding quick answers) as the ONLY viable measure of facing UNCERTAINTY/RAPID CHANGE!)
- The World We Make 2019 with Jon Kabat-Zinn (What an #INSPIRATION – CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE THE WORLD! Seeing the SILVER LINING even in this DYING MOMENT – no BETTER TIME to DO IT! If you UNDERSTAND YOURSELF better, and if EVERYONE DOES THIS, the WHOLE UNIVERSE #TRANSFORMS for the BETTER!The great emeritus PROFESSOR of MEDICINE, Jon Kabat-Zinn who founded #MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION program 40 years ago at the UNIVERSITY of MASSACHUSETTS #MEDICAL SCHOOL speaks with great HOPE!)
- Artificial Intelligence – The Next Phase of Evolution? ( #AI (Artificial Intelligence) or #EI (Emotional Intelligence) – which one should get the #PRECEDENCE What could be the #CONSEQUENCES of each getting PRECEDENCE? Can we IMAGINE into the #FUTURE or #LEARN from #PAST #ANALOGIES?How can we make sure that #MACHINES programmed using AI are without #UNCONSCIOUS #BIAS and #DISCRIMINATION? What would be the outcome if MACHINES with such #DEFICIENCIES are produced (consciously or unconsciously) in mass scale? #EMOTIONAL #INTELLIGENCE is to the RESCUE (with precedence) through a repeatable process of systematically “programming” of individual/human brains for LEARNING and DEVELOPMENT towards SOCIAL/PLANETARY SUSTAINABILITY!)
- Conscious Healing Q&A (A BRILLIANT discussion with Thomas Hubl (who studied #MEDICINE for 4 years with great interest and as a good student in #GERMANY before abruptly leaving on a #MEDITATION retreat for 4 years) on the topic of #HEALING the #TRAUMATIZED #WORLD that we live in an #INFORMED/ #SCIENTIFIC/ #CONSCIOUS way. The roots of his approach are that #HUMANS/HUMAN #BRAINS as a #SOCIAL #ORGAN, #COLLECTIVE #CONSCIOUSNESS, COLLECTIVE #INTELLIGENCE and #INTERGENERATIONAL NATURE of our #TRAUMAS/ #BEHAVIOURS etc.)
- Love the World (The inherent #CONNECTEDNESS of various #SYSTEMS in the world (that we need to become aware) and its #CONSEQUENCES/ #IMPLICATIONS!”But now, #HUMANITY has GREAT #POWER for #GOOD and #ILL. And we have INESCAPABLE KNOWLEDGE (no matter how much some try to deny it) of WHAT WE are DOING to our OWN HOME. As the #EARTH #HEATS up, as many species go extinct, and as resources such as fresh water decline, it is GUIDE our THOUGHTS, WORDS, and above all, DEEDS: #LOVE THE #WORLD.””For a minute, an hour, or a whole week, TOUCH natural and human-made things around you like you TRULY CHERISH them.””PROTECT SOMETHING from HARM. You could SAVE SOMETHING you might otherwise throw away, from WATER running in a sink to FOOD in a restaurant. More BROADLY, we can take POLITICAL ACTION to PROTECT our WORLD. DIFFERENT PEOPLE will find DIFFERENT PATHS with this. Personally, I’ve been inspired by young people – who will most inherit the consequences of the 100 million tons of CO2 their parents have been pouring up into the sky each day – who are saying enough is enough, such as through the Student Global Climate Strike on September 20th.” )
- Can Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness Competencies be Used/Applied Successfully in Any Social Context (“Would the act of responding with a visible time gap become abnormal with interpretations such as dumb and manipulative in such a context? It reminds us of a sentence from Abraham Maslow’s book “Maslow on Motivation”:”
“In H. G. Well’s wonderful short story ” The Valley of the Blind,” where all are blind the sighted man is maladjusted.”
“It gets us to the point of questioning, despite the inherent and well documented/research evidence, the practical value/usefulness of the notions/competencies of emotional intelligence and mindfulness if not BROADLY EMBRACED and YEARNED for in a larger context.”)