MSLD 635 Module 1- 21st Century Enlightenment

History is one of many topics I’ve always been fascinated about, and watching Matthew Taylor’s 21st Century Enlightenment video was indeed a pleasurable one. In this video, Taylor discussed how today’s world is not the same as it was in the 18th century. When thinking about this, it’s truly amazing to see the endless amounts of changes that has occurred within the last few centuries.
The video brings up the importance and the need for ones to adapt and think proactively. This idea immediately reminded me of Daryl Conner’s metaphor on “the burning platform”. In the summer of 1988, an oil rig exploded off the coast of Scotland, which tragically killed over 160 workers. Andy Mochan, a survivor from the accident chose to jump fifteen stories into water to avoid the blaze, quoting “it was either jump of fry” (Conner, 2012). The key here is that if he stayed on the burning platform, he could have died. By accepting a change or a current event (for this case, a fire), ones can “pay less” damage and possibly experience different outcomes (Galoppin, 2011). As leaders, it is important to keep in mind that change is constant. To ensure quality outcomes in our decision-making, it is important to understand and adapt to what’s happening around us: otherwise we’ll fall behind and face a domino-effect of problems.

Understanding what’s happening around us not only includes events, but it also includes the views of other people (Obolensky, 2014). When Taylor argued that individuals needed “to resist our tendencies to make right or true that which is merely familiar and wrong or false that which is only strange", he simply meant that there are no right or wrongs: as each and every one of us have different thoughts and opinions (RSA, 2010). Information from others can be just as important as our own. In some instances, this can be used as a learning opportunity: allowing ones to extend and enhance their own decision-making. Considering information from others plays a crucial role as an academic advisor. While I may have the information and recommendations for my students, I am helping them with their plan: meaning that I must make decisions revolving around them. To do this, I must listen and gather as much information from them as possible. When doing so, I sometimes pick up new information that I never knew or even thought of. This not only informed me, but it will also help me with future advisement.

While it is encouraged for leaders to consider others’ point-of-views, it is always important to take time and look through them before relying on them. Taylor later argued in his video that leaders should avoid elements of pop culture. While a friend recommends you getting an iPhone for example, he might have recommended them because many people have them. Accepting this information without any research can be very risky: as there may be a lack of though put into making that decision.

References:

Conner, D. (2012). The Real Story of the Burning Platform. Retrieved from http://www.connerpartners.com/frameworks-and-processes/the-real-story-of-the-burning-platform

Galoppin, L. (2011). The Giant Misunderstanding on Burning Platforms. Retrieved from http://www.reply-mc.com/2011/01/17/the-giant-misunderstanding-on-burning-platforms/

Obolensky, N. (2014). Complex Adaptive Leadership: Embracing Paradox and Uncertainty (2nd ed.). UK: Gower Publishing.

RSA. (2010). RSA ANIMATE: 21st Century Enlightenment [Video file]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC7ANGMy0yo