Tag: learning

Rebel Ideas

Given the importance of this week for Cork Hurling, I thought writing about a book with REBEL in the title would be appropriate.

However, unlike the level of preparation that I’m sure will be evident at this weekend‘s matches and was in full display at Wednesday’s U20 final, I actually haven’t finished reading the book “Rebel Ideas” by Matthew Syed yet!

From what I’ve read so far, I see the argument that diverse perspectives lead to greater success in solving problems.

Key factors can be missed if the investigation team comprises of people who all have similar upbringings, experience and education. The author analyses a number of well known events to support this point.

At this stage, my takeaway from the partly read book is that the best teams have a variety of participants with different backgrounds who bring a range of distinct skills and strategies. The book is interesting and easy to read, so I will finish it.

I have read another of Matthew Syed’s books “You are Awesome” in its entirety and can recommend it as easy to read and a source of inspiration for both adults and children.

“Best teams”… “skills and strategies”… “awesome”…reminds me of Cork Hurling!

Feature Image via Canva

Road Trip

Recently, I was reminded of a Japanese backpacker, called Muzz whom I met in New Zealand 20 years ago.  We were all working on the same farm, which was in a remote location near Ohura, Taranaki in the North Island. 

Muzz had decided to move on to New Plymouth, which was over 100km from where we were. 

Our farmer hosts estimated it would be close to a 2.5 hour car drive and there was no direct bus routes.  They advised Muzz that hitchhiking, which was very common in NZ at the time, would be the best way to get to New Plymouth. Muzz wasn’t familiar with hitchhiking at all as it was not usual in Japan, but he was prepared to try it. 

Our hosts were making a delivery to Hamilton the following day so they brought Muzz as far as the main road and told him to stick his thumb out when any vehicles going south passed by. 

The trip to Hamilton was a journey north but was also going to be about 2.5 hours each way, so it was evening time when our hosts returned. 

They arrived bringing a Japanese backpacker with them… Muzz ! 

Muzz had stood by the side of the road all day. Six drivers stopped but none were going all the way to New Plymouth, so Muzz declined their offers of lifts.  

At the time, I felt sorry for Muzz because he was hungry and tired and back at square one.  

However, looking back I see that Muzz will have gained great learning that day.  

1. You need to know your destination. If you don’t, you’re just going to go where others bring you. One day you’ll realise you’re living someone else’s idea for your life rather than the version of life you choose for yourself. 

2. When you know your destination (like Muzz did), you need to be prepared that progress may only happen in stages. Standing still waiting for an easy ride all the way to the finish line could mean you don’t go anywhere. 

3. Be prepared to forgive yourself and get back on the road if you make a mistake or something doesn’t work out immediately. After his unproductive and tiring day, Muzz got up the following morning and went hitchhiking again. He travelled with 3 different drivers but reached his destination in just over 4 hours! 

Feature Image Credit: Martin Kallur via Unsplash

What’s Your Definition of a Challenge at Work?

Well imagine you have to adapt to working remotely. Actually, you probably don’t have to imagine that. It is challenging but not impossible, you are doing it already.

Imagine that you are working remotely but with a completely new team, people you have never met in person. That is a bit more challenging.

Now imagine you are working remotely with people you have never met before and you have all just joined a new organisation. No one has the inside track on how things are done or what is expected. This sounds very challenging.

But this is exactly what many first year college students have been doing since September.

As we near the end of the semester, college students are submitting their teamwork projects online and delivering group presentations via Zoom. These students are coping with social isolation and missing out many aspects of their college experience. They have risen to their work challenges, although it has not been easy.

These students are developing adaptability, resilience and creativity skills that will be assets for life.

Feature Image Credit: Christoph Deinet via Unsplash