Boundaries and Growth
Sometimes, the very boundaries we create can become the walls that hinder our growth.
Confidence and our ability to innovate
There’s a video from my youth that has stayed with me, leaving a profound impression. I vividly recall the moment: sitting in the car with a young mentor, who, in hindsight, was only a few years older than I.
Our conversation centered around confidence, and the video he showed was from a talk titled “When the Chips are Down” by Richard Lavoie. Richard drew parallels between self-esteem and poker chips.
Robust self-esteem, he explained, is like having many poker chips, while low self-esteem is like having few.
Our willingness to take risks often hinges on the number of “chips” we possess. The stronger our sense of security, the more inclined we are to take chances. But how do we cultivate such stability in a world rife with uncertainty?
Stability, Security and Confidence
Being rooted in a strong sense of self is crucial. Though Richard spoke about individuals, I believe his insights extend to organisations as well. When we feel secure and confident in our identity, we are more open to taking risks—both as organizations and as individuals within them.
AI in Education: A Technological Decision or More?
When we consider the role of AI in education, it may initially seem like a technological decision. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes apparent that the conversation transcends technology; it’s about the transformative impact that technology can have on society and humanity.
AI’s Broader Implications
AI in educational technology heralds a paradigm shift, prompting us to reconsider its broader implications for ourselves, our students, and our organisations.
AI isn’t merely another technological marvel; it represents a rapidly evolving intelligence. Shifting our perceptions around this can be challenging, if not daunting.
Equipping for an Uncertain Future
To prepare for a changing world we must equip our students and schools with the life skills and adaptability to confidently;
- Think critically, understand nuanced contexts and have the problem-solving skills and adaptability to creatively think and innovate;
- Have the emotional awareness and intelligence to understand themselves and cultivate meaningful relationships with others.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with others
These skills are at the heart of the Human Intelligence Movement’s values, which prioritize learning over mere knowledge acquisition. Universal skills that give students agency and confidence in their learning journeys throughout life’s unpredictability.
Embracing change and starting important conversations
As organizations, leaders, and educators, we must prioritize these essential skills ingrained in our identity and mission to be comfortable with ongoing change.
It’s daunting to rethink the very systems that provide us with a sense of stability, especially when change poses significant risks. However, within these challenges lie opportunities—opportunities to unearth the best within ourselves, each other and our shared humanity.
Margaret Wheatley said it best “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters”. The Human Intelligence Movement is starting that conversation, fighting for the future of humanity.
Post written by Efraim Lerner