Be a meaningful specific and not a wandering generality. This is what Seth Godin, the management guru has to say. It is about seeking and searching your core competence and remaining focused. How does one remain meaningful then?I have often wondered how people can remain relevant in a world moving so fast and getting irrelevant for the by stander?
We are often taught that grace will descend from top. So we look upon our elders to deliver the goods. Seniors and elders are very magnanimous in this regard. They are always forthcoming in showing us our path. And we should be thankful and show equal magnanimity for that. To a large extent our entire value architecture is shaped by them. Since they have seen a lot in their journey through life and have already traversed the cross roads we find ourselves standing at the moment, it is only prudent to ask them what lies ahead and how future hurdles are to be handled. Tried and tested remedies can come very handy.
But the gyaan from the top does not provide us with the "relevance" cover. It is not laced with the magic potion that makes us relevant and future ready. For future lies ahead of us as well as behind us. While we continue to get wiser by the day we continue to get irrelevant as well.
Often the answer to many questions in life lies in unexpected quarters. Hence sometimes it becomes necessary to look in the opposite direction for profound insights.
The "relevance" cover does not actually come from our seniors/elders/mentors/ coaches /gurus etc but from the gen - Next. Those who are currently followers, subordinates, disciples etc.
While we have traversed their path earlier in our lives, what is key is for us to understand that the path that we left behind in our journey is not the same any more. It has evolved as well.We will not even recognize it and perhaps it poses a lot more challenges for gen-Next.
A straight forward example is cricket. Can maestro Sunil Gavaskar give any advice on Twentytwenty strategies or on how to make 350 runs in a 50 over game?If he wants to understand and remain relevant to this new form of the game then he has to look at the bottom. A Yusuf Pathan or a Swapnil Asnodkar can perhaps give better guidance than even a Sachin Tendulkar for the twentytwenty format. Sachin in turn can be turned to for the 350 runs in 50 overs challenge. Cricket is one example but this holds good for every aspect of life. Youngsters are a great source of inspiration when it comes to the following:-
1) Technology
2) Self confidence
3) Speed / execution
5) Risk taking abilities
6) Creativity
7) Multi tasking
8) Clarity of thought and priorities
9) Pragmatism
Perhaps some of the points mentioned above would be more relevant while some others would be less relevant as these are my personal points of view. I will be glad to be challenged.
The point being made however is that there is a lot to learn from the next-Gen. I have often seen wisdom, maturity, sincerity in youngsters more than what I have been able to find in elders.
One of the main reasons I think why Gen-Next is marching along so effortlessly is because they had a head start in life due to early exposure to better technology and better privileges owing to better financial support. The opportunities that we are able to provide our kids is a lot more as compared to what our parents could provide us. Their world is a lot more affluent and if they have a desire the money is not usually a problem. It was not likewise earlier.
Secondly without getting caught in the drudgery of reinvention, these guys have shown the traction needed to move into a different orbit. Therefore they have acquired new skills, new concepts, new values and new confidence.
They are the young and beautiful generation and we can draw a lot out of them. A few things that we should do for our own good and in order to arm ourselves adequately for the future are:-
1) Participate in technology products with youthful passion. Social networking gives a decent glimpse of the young blood in action. It is important for our future to understand what makes them tick.
2) Talk to them. Ask them about their lives, their interests, their inspirations, their values. Often I have been surprised to see tremendous balance in their lives.
3) Learn new skills: While it is obvious that at 40 it is not easy to conquer a new skill but it is equally foolhardy to turn your face the other way. Learn and understand new skills like music, dance forms, sports, etc. Choose one of the skills and do some serious dabbling. It will give rise to some sort of renewal. Perhaps it will lead to a youthful experience and help get under their skin.
4) Be subtle in your engagement. While it is important is to understand them one has to respect them and their privacy. Simply by accepting their mettle is a good first step. Observe them. Read about them. Talk to them but don't try to be one of them. Life has moved on and it is equally important to accept the reality.
5) Make your children your best friends. The onus is on parents. Remember in this case you need them to give you some room. Be honest. Be truthful. Have empathy. Be generous while forgiving them. You will then get a decent glimpse of their lives. But honor their secrets.
The next generation is our future. They are the potential market for our future. They are a knowledge storehouse. They are very capable. They are the Dhonis and Rainas who have cracked the game like never before. They are force to embrace with open arms.
While top down learning can continue for as long as one likes, it is high time to open our minds to a large dose of bottom up "gyaan".
