Resourceful Human vs Human Resource | Rahim Sajan | TEDxFortMcMurray

Summary

This script discusses the importance of adapting to a 'VUCA' world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. It calls for a redefinition of educational systems to empower resourceful humans who can thrive in change. The speaker envisions a learning ecosystem that includes both formal and informal education, advocating for a holistic approach to develop individuals capable of learning, unlearning, and relearning to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Education systems need to adapt to prepare individuals for the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
• 💡 The current focus on traditional education may create human resources rather than resourceful humans who can thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
• 🛠️ Resourceful humans are those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn quickly, adapting to new challenges with creativity and critical thinking.
• 🎓 Traditional educational institutions focus on preparing individuals for specific job titles, but this approach may not suffice in a VUCA world.
• 🐘 The analogy of blind monks describing an elephant highlights the importance of seeing the bigger picture in education, integrating various facets of learning.
• 📚 Education should be viewed as an ecosystem that includes both formal and informal learning opportunities, helping individuals develop holistically.
• 🗺️ A comprehensive learning map is proposed to empower resourceful humans by providing access to diverse learning resources and experiences.
• 🤝 Collaboration is essential in redefining educational purposes, mapping community learning opportunities, and creating a robust learning ecosystem.
• ⚖️ Resourceful humans possess an ethical compass, enabling them to act with sound judgment and humility while contributing positively to society.
• 🌟 The goal is to create a world with more resourceful humans capable of navigating and thriving in the complexities of the future.

Q & A

What are the three fundamental questions explored in the painting by Paul Goan?

The three fundamental questions are 'where do we come from, where are we now, and where are we going.'

What does the term 'VUCA' stand for and how is it relevant to the current world?

VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It is relevant as it describes the current world's state, which is characterized by these attributes.

Why does the speaker believe that traditional education systems are not fully preparing individuals for the future?

The speaker believes traditional education systems focus on preparing 'human resources' for the world as it is, rather than equipping 'resourceful humans' who can adapt to change and thrive in a VUCA world.

What is the main difference between 'resourceful humans' and 'human resources' according to the speaker?

Resourceful humans adapt to change and are capable of learning, unlearning, and relearning, whereas human resources struggle with change and are more suited to a stable and predictable environment.

What pop culture references does the speaker use to illustrate the difference between human resources and resourceful humans?

The speaker uses the characters of Milton Wadams from 'Office Space' to represent a human resource and MacGyver as an example of a resourceful human.

What is the 'elephant' metaphor used to describe in the context of education systems?

The 'elephant' metaphor is used to describe the incomplete understanding of the purpose of education systems, with different people focusing on different aspects without seeing the whole picture.

What does the speaker propose as the central purpose of education systems moving forward?

The speaker proposes that the central purpose of education systems should be to empower resourceful humans who can deal with the VUCA world.

What are the key characteristics of resourceful humans as described in the script?

Resourceful humans have the ability to adapt, process complexity, demonstrate ethical actions, and serve humanity with an explorer's heart, sound judgment, and humility.

What is the speaker's vision for a 'learning map' and how would it benefit society?

The speaker envisions a learning map that systematically empowers individuals to see the whole terrain and all elements of learning. It would be a tool to help develop resourceful humans by providing accessible and comprehensive learning resources.

How can individuals contribute to the development of a more holistic learning ecosystem?

Individuals can contribute by helping redefine the purpose of existing learning institutions, mapping out community learning opportunities, and creating a robust map to empower resourceful humans.

What are the 'known unknowns' and 'unknown unknowns' in the context of navigating a VUCA world?

Known unknowns are problems we are aware of but may not yet understand or know how to solve. Unknown unknowns are problems we have not yet recognized or realized are problems, which can be particularly challenging in a VUCA world.