Next time you’re confronted with a surprising new development–say, a new product or a new use for an old product–don’t ask the question: Why is this new? Instead, try asking this question: Why is this surprising? The switch changes the focus from an external perspective (i.e. looking for reasons why the new idea or product [...]
One of my favorite authors and thinkers, Daniel Pink, has a wonderful post on New Year’s Resolutions. Instead of making a resolution to do something new this year, Pink suggests making a resolution not to change something. Interestingly, by reversing your thinking and asking a different question, you can get human psychology working for you [...]
Can you find the mistake? If not, you might want to consider unlearning the idea that you see the world as clearly as you might otherwise believe.
Everybody likes to be “in the know.” The problem with this is that it’s an impossible goal to achieve because knowledge is being created at an ever accelerating rate. This knowledge creation is a wonderful thing but it also implies that our ignorance is growing even faster (in the sense that it is impossible to [...]
Often, the first step to solving an old problem is viewing your situation–and the tools at your disposal–in a new light. If you want to watch a short, fun and inspirational video, check out this two-minute YouTube clip on a simple solar solution:
“Answer a question you wish we’d asked.” This is a question Harvard University now regularly asks its MBA applicants. It’s an insightful question and, if you use it, it may help you unlearn because its open-ended nature embraces the very distinct possibility that you will be exposed to insights and ideas that might never have [...]
I am in Iowa to deliver a keynote presentation (entitled “Why Future Trends in Healthcare Will Require Unlearning“) to the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative today. After working on my presentation early this morning, I decided to go for a walk at sunrise. The photo to the right offers a view of what I saw. As I [...]
Jack Uldrich is an acclaimed global futurist, compelling keynote speaker and best-selling author. His past works include, The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business; Jump the Curve: 50 Strategies to Help You Company Stay Ahead of Emerging Technology; Unlearning 101:101 Lessons in Thinking … [More About Jack..]