Yesterday I wrote a post over at the Supernova ConversationHub. Later after speaking with Dina (we plan learning journeys) I was left with a couple of stories about learning experiences I have had while growing up, and reflections.
At school, many many years ago I remember being taken to a General Motors plant (to see cars made), a bottling plant (Coke), and a bread factory (Wonderbread YUCK). In all of these I learned something about how ‘this goes into that’ and what comes out. I also knew I didn’t want to be on the line. While at University I did a project studying different ethnic groups within a large washing machine factory. We learned a lot more about the people in this case. I also spent time in the law courts and decided that wasn’t where I’d like to spend my time.
There is nothing quite like exposure to the unexpected. Often we need a guide. It may just be my curiosity that makes me want to embrace things that are new and at the edge. However, if you are a company I think it pays to push some learning journeys from time to time. People don’t breakout. Learning Journey is sometimes the equivalent of a forced time out.
That is very likely to be where your next million dollar idea comes from. In my experience almost any group can prosper by being taken into situations and environments they are not familiar with. They can see their own problems and issues through a new lens. Believe me, on the ground, with real people and living situations it’s much more powerful than the “case study”. It will help you to develop and transform.
The real key is “context”, rapid assimilation, and attitudes. Next time you are thinking of commissioning a global research project and letting others outside your organization go and look, research etc, consider what the impact would be if you went yourselves. You will almost certainly still need the researcher and the guide. Still you will be able to leverage what you learn in unexpected ways.
Maybe the real meaning of this post is… I need to get out and learn something new today… I feel that hankering coming on.
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