A Whole New Mind Onslow County Schools CIA Institute August 2-4, 2011 NSH Presented by Michele Halley

Warm-Up Activity Right Brain, Left Brain, Whole Brain, No Brain

A Whole New Mind Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future Moving from the Informational Age … to the Conceptual Age … “Information is cheap! But wisdom, artistry, creativity and innovation – based on information becomes a rare and valuable asset in our work setting and in our homes!” - author, Daniel H. Pink

Information Age vs. Conceptual Age The shift to right brain thinking reflects the move from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age. From the Agriculture Age to the Conceptual Age* ATG CONCEPTUAL AGE (affluence, technology, globalization) (creators and empathizers) INFORMATION AGE (knowledge workers) INDUSTRIAL AGE (factory workers) AGRICULTURAL AGE (farmers) 18 th century19 th century20 th century21 st century * (from Daniel Pink’s book page 49.)

Four Main Differences between Left and Right Brain Both halves of the brain are fundamental for leading a balanced, productive life, but the right side is gaining bigger importance as we move through the conceptual age. (book chapter 1) Left HemisphereRight Hemisphere Controls right side of body Controls left side of body Sequential Simultaneous Specializes in text Specializes in context Analyses details Synthesizes big picture

SOCIAL and ECONOMIC FORCES Abundance Asia Automation

ABUNDANCE ABUNDANCE Scarcity vs Abundance Left Brained “Knowledge Workers” Paradox of Prosperity

ASIA ASIA OUTSOURCING “Knowledge worker, meet your new competition!” Need a new set of aptitudes. Forging relationships vs. Executing Transactions Tackling novel challenges vs. Solving routine Problems Synthesizing the Big Picture vs. Analyzing a single component

AUTOMATION Machines replaced human backs and heads. New technologies replacing human left-brains. Any job that depends on routines that can be reduced to a set of rules, or broken down into a set of repeatable steps – is at risk. Computer Programming Physicians Lawyers

While “knowledge workers” also known as Left-Directed Thinkers have been the mainstay of the world’s economy this is changing as we move through the conceptual age. We are shifting to an era where Right- Directed Thinking will determine more and more who gets ahead. Abundance, Asia and Automation are the reasons for the shift and are nudging us into the conceptual age. (book chapter 2)

NEW APPROACH to WORK and LIFE “High Concept” and “High Touch”

“HIGH CONCEPT” “HIGH CONCEPT” “High Concept involves the capacity to detect patterns and opportunities, to create artistic and emotional beauty, to craft a satisfying narrative, and to combine seemingly unrelated ideas into something new.”

“HIGH TOUCH” “HIGH TOUCH” “High touch involves the ability to empathize with others, to understand the subtleties of human interaction, to find joy in one’s self and to elicit it in others, and to stretch beyond the quotidian in pursuit of purpose and meaning.”

IQ and EQ According to the latest research, IQ accounts for what portion of career success? a)50 to 60 percent b)35 to 49 percent c)21 to 34 percent d)15 to 20 percent e)4 to 10 percent EQ Imagination Joyfulness Cooperation Social dexterity

People who master the abilities of high concept and high touch will set the tempo of modern life. Artistic areas are gaining a more relevant role in the business world. Companies and business are seeking people with MFA rather than MBA. The MFA is becoming the MBA. IQ shouldn’t be the only measure of a person’s potential. EQ is gaining more importance as Right- Brain capabilities become more relevant. (book chapter 3)

To be successful in the Conceptual Age we master the SIX High-Concept, High- Touch right-brain SENSES.

DESIGN STORY SYMPHONY EMPATHY PLAY MEANING These “six senses” increasingly will guide our lives and shape our world. SIX HIGH-CONCEPT, HIGH-TOUCH SENSES SIX HIGH-CONCEPT, HIGH-TOUCH SENSES

Not just function but also DESIGN Design (book chapter 4) “It’s no longer sufficient to create a product, a service, an experience, or a lifestyle that’s merely functional. Today it’s economically crucial and personally rewarding to create something that is also beautiful, whimsical, or emotionally engaging.”

Not just argument but also STORY Story (book chapter 5) “When our lives are brimming with information and data, it’s insufficient to marshal an effective argument. Someone somewhere will inevitably track down a counterpoint to rebut your point. The essence of persuasion, communication and self-understanding has become the ability to fashion a compelling narrative.”

Not just focus by also SYMPHONY Symphony (book chapter 6) “Much of the Industrial and Information Ages required focus and specialization. But as white-collar work gets routed to Asia and reduced to software, there’s a new premium on the opposite aptitude: putting the pieces together, or what I call Symphony. What’s in greatest demand today isn’t analysis but synthesis – seeing the big picture and, crossing boundaries, being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting new whole.”

Not just logic by also EMPATHY Empathy (book chapter 7) “The capacity for logical thought is one of the things that makes us human. But in a world of ubiquitous information and advanced analytic tools, logic alone won’t do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others.”

Not just seriousness by also PLAY Play (book chapter 8) “Ample evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games and humor. There is a time to be serious, of course. But too much sobriety can be bad for your career and worse for your general well-being. In the Conceptual Age, in work and in life, we all need to play.”

Not just accumulation by also MEANING Meaning (book chapter 9) “We live in a world of breathtaking material plenty that has freed hundreds of millions of people from day-to-day struggles and liberated us to pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence and spiritual fulfillment.”

HUMOR HUMOR Surveys show that within organizations the most effective leaders are those with a good sense of humor.

CULTURAL CREATIVES CULTURAL CREATIVES See Big Picture Good at Synthesizing See “Women’s Ways” of Knowing as valid:  empathy / sympathy  personal experiences and first person stories important learning style  embrace ethic of caring  Meaning is the New Money

SURVIVING CONCEPTUAL AGE 1. Can someone overseas do it cheaper? 2. Can a computer do it faster? 3. Is what I’m/we’re offering in demand in an age of abundance?

IN Conclusion IN Conclusion Information Age - MAZE Conceptual Age - LABYRINTH “ The ideal life is not a fear-fueled pursuit of cheese. It’s more like walking a labyrinth, where the purpose is the journey itself.” - Daniel Pink