The end of summer is a great time to stretch our thinking about a world of new possibilities. A time to re-energize ourselves and reimagine new initiatives and offerings that will deliver even greater value to the customers, employees, and shareholders we have the privilege to serve. A time to take a fresh look at the things that matter and challenge conventional wisdom. And possibly reinvent the way our businesses or industries operate. It is also a perfect time to reach out and connect with people and organizations that are very different than we are–people and organizations with very different ideas, perspectives, ways of doing the things that matter most, and even different dreams.
In October my newest book titled The Wisdom of Ignorance will be coming out, and in the year ahead I’d like to challenge you to learn new things, connect with new people, and think in new ways about what you do. Things you might not normally learn. People you might not normally meet. And ideas that might not see the light of day in doing more of the same. We can’t avoid the constant drum beat of AI, but we can learn things that make us more valuable as they make us more human. So lean into your authenticity, what makes you unique, as a key to navigating a world changing fast.
But also commit to meeting new people who are different than you. Their ideas and perspectives will stretch your thinking about different ways to understand and create opportunities in the world we share. And be open to new ideas and new points of view. Approach each day with sense of curiosity and greater openness to finding new and more powerful sources of inspiration.
I have always started each new school year with a bit of inspiration from our children–Sara, Carly, and Noah—even though they are now grown up. I see school busses with new classes of students and think about how summer quickly becomes fall, and a new year of learning begins. And I also remember their consistent reminders to me to be open to new ideas, new people, and new experiences. The picture below, taken several years ago at Fiskekyrkan (the “Fish” Church) in Goteborg, Sweden, is a constant reminder of the power of connecting with strangers—even people from different eras.
And I recall fondly a time when Carly was in fourth grade, and we were taking our morning walk to the school bus stop. On that day a fellow walked by who seemed somewhat odd and more than slightly disheveled. A fellow we had never seen in our quiet neighborhood before. And once we were out of listening distance, I quickly turned to Carly and reminded her of the importance of not talking to strangers. It was sensible advice my parents had given me in far less uncertain times. To which Carly quickly replied:
“But Papa, if I don’t talk to strangers how will I ever make new friends? And, how will I ever learn new things?”
They were words that I now think about nearly every day, and words that inspired my thinking and writing. In a world in which we can’t know it all we need to be open to new people, new ideas, and new possibilities. It is how we learn, grow, and unlock our own genius.
We win in business and in life when we approach each day with enthusiasm and the right amount of caution. The end of summer is a great time for new thinking and new connections.
