A Whole New Mind
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink
Author Dan Pink makes a convincing case for a new way of looking at the world that leans more toward right-brained (intuitive) thinking as opposed to left-brained (logic).
The information age and the knowledge workers jobs that it created relies heavily on the left brain. Pink believes that macro factors – most notably abundance of materials goods and information, the rise of knowledge workers in Asia, and automation – are creating a new conceptual age that demands new thinking.
The following are Pink’s six key thinking skills for the new conceptual age:
- Design — Function and form are crucial for success. See Apple vs. Microsoft.
- Story — With Google, everybody has information on demand at their fingertips. Being able to tell good stories creates context and makes information more memorable.
- Symphony — The ability to think holistically (right-brained) as opposed to linearly (left-brained) is necessary to manage information and relationships in an increasingly complex world.
- Empathy — Deep relationships built on mutual understanding rather than transaction are becoming the norm.
- Play — Enjoyment has practical applications in terms of learning new skills but also healing powers for the stress everyone feels every day.
- Meaning — Having a purpose in life is becoming increasingly as important as what you accumulate in life.
After explaining each skill, Pink provides a portfolio of suggested activities, such as attending a storytelling festival to learn about storytelling, to develop each skill.
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