I think that the reason why the discussion is called “21st
century enlightenment” is because we now live in a world where we challenge the
thought process of others and the way others perceive information that is given
to them. What I mean by this is that we live in a world where social media,
media, technology, and the ever so changing dynamic of human relations is accelerating
at a high pace we are continuously trying to keep up in stride till we hit a
new phenomenon. Brown (2011) discusses a
term called “Future shock” where a product is greatly accelerated through
change in our society. It replaces a new culture from an old one. (p42) We as a
society are moving forward so fast that (whether through an organization, human
relations, or markets) we are finding ourselves almost out of breath trying to
keep up.
In the video Taylor (21st Century Enlightenment) stated
“to live differently you have to think differently,” I think he means that by
saying we have to separate ourselves from the crowd. Just because the vast
majority is doing something, to be successful and incorporate change (whether
in an organization or the world) we have stand out and bring out new ideas
which is all acquired through learning. Prandini, Petronella, & Barthelmess (2012)
state that “Learning is rather a meaningful and
active process which fosters a holistic understanding of the role, dynamics,
and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social, environmental
and economic value.” (p. 19)
When Taylor (2010)
argued that “"to resist our tendencies to make right or true that which is
merely familiar and wrong or false that which is only strange" he meant
that to resist our tendencies of believing what is told to us. You take for
example the battle between religion and science, faith and knowledge, or
statement and fact. We as individuals take the perceptions from others and
believe it to be true at times. In my organization, this term relates to the
effect of our training doctrine. We follow it up to the tee but have to realize
that every situation dictates the outcome of what we were taught to do. What I mean
by that is just because it is taught to us in this particular way, does not
mean we can veer off and conduct it in a manner that fits our units
comfortability to accomplish our task.
When Taylor (2010)discusses
about the eschew of pop culture and the development of human empathy, it all comes down to our leaders in the human
realm. Our leaders whether it be our congressional leaders, our community
leaders, or even within our workplace they have to establish a common ground to
how we treat each other as humans. “Under-standing past and present competitive
environments offers input for charismatic and visionary leaders to formulate and
implement probable and workable strategies for the future.” (p.111) So I do
believe that this can be accomplished through the effectiveness of great
leadership within our world.
To answer
the question on what Taylor (2010) discusses about atomizing people from
collaborative environments and the destructive effect on their growth he simply
means when he discussed a “small number of thoughtful citizens can change the
world and it indeed is the only thing that ever has”. You cannot stop the
thought process of your employees in your organization to simply put it. You have
to have room for expansion for the strategic vision and the adaptability for
change. Brown (2011) shares what is called an Organization transformation which
tends to focus on unplanned changes from within the system in response to
life-cycle considerations. (p. 44)
What I can
take away to immediately exercise in my career especially holding a leadership
position in my organization is to simply be more open to ideas and
recommendations. To develop myself as a human being and embrace the change that
constantly occurs within our world. To practice that just because what is said doesn’t
necessarily mean it goes. If someone told me “to go right and take the hill”
and I respond “I’ll go left and take the hill” it doesn’t matter which
direction I go as long as I take the hill, which is the overall end state to
the task at hand.
Some
questions that I would like to ask pertaining to this video is:
1). Where do
we see leadership development in the 21st century moving forward?
Because of the new generation taking over are we going to be more challenging
to directives given out amongst each other compared to the old days of what is
said goes?
2). Do you
believe that the 21st century can be kept up in regards to
leadership developing of others?
References:
Barnes, J. N. (2010). Extending traditional
21st-century leadership skills. Journal of Leadership Studies, 3(4),
111-112. doi:10.1002/jls.20148
Brown, D. R. (2011). An experiential approach to
Organization Development (8th Ed.).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
Prandini, M., Petronella, V. I., & Barthelmess, P.
(2012). Responsible management education for 21st century leadership.
Central European Business Review, 1(2), 16-22. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1647600147?accountid=27203
Taylor, M. (2010, August 19th) RSA ANIMATE:
21st Century Enlightenment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC7ANGMy0yo
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