Gosh what a week!
The news has been jam packed with the latest unemployment figures, the algorithm based qualification results for students and of course the official status of the UK economy.
After the last 6 months, we’re used to bad news, so this really isn’t the worst we’ve all heard – but it did get me thinking.
All those students hell bent on achieving a particular grade to get to a particular university, to then be able to apply for a particular job which – may or may not exist by the time they are ready for the employment market. Did you know that two-thirds of children at school will end up doing jobs that don’t even exist yet!?
I know this seems rather doom and gloom but I do think we are missing a trick with all this.
Of course there is good evidence to support the need for a highly educated society, especially with our global challenges scientists are facing.
However, I feel there is an equal need for people who won’t allow a systems led algorithm define them and stop them in their tracks.
I love systems. I live and breathe systems and processes at OFEX, but when it dictates the outcome entirely there is a real issue with the organisation and an injustice with the individuals being told “computer says no!”
What’s more, as bestselling author and philosopher, Nassim Taleb*, always reminds us; prepare for the power of randomness, the unexpected and all of the twists and turns and adaptations this brings. Basically, prepare for the unexpected and be ready to improvise beyond any set system!
Just like our own ethos, systems need to support the outcome and the customer (or in this comparison student) as far as possible – not define it.
Have a great week.
Sam.
* Have a look at Nassim Taleb and his books including Skin In The Game >HERE<
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