LO folk:
I suggest that competence is a moving target and that's exactly why the
learning organization is important. When I was a teenager and into my
20's, I could work on my car. 1982 is the benchmark for the introduction
of electronics - thereafter - tune-ups and other analysis moves into a
blackbox process. Add to that the recycling requirements for used oil and
other environmental factors, I'm just not willing to invest what it takes
to remain competent. I find it better to outsource - go to the local quick
lube.
Learning to learn is a challenge to all. We may have genetic based skills
and abilities that make certain areas easier to learn, but talent alone is
not enough. Setting personal goals - which may range from caring for
family or expressing a vision in painting - and persisting, moving toward
them ever so incrementally, even inspite of setbacks - is a daunting
challenge. To assist people - as a manager; or our children - as parents,
or even ourselves - as self coaches - doing what we know we should do,
requires God like patience and faith.
Since "use it or loose it" seems to be a universal truth, I work on my
competencies daily - stretching in preparation for the future, while
handling the present and maintaining those of the past as needed. Many do
- others are content to do what has worked for them - in their families,
in their employment, in their lives. Addictions, compulsions and abuse
does skew the world for many. The failure to educate is the greatest
abuse. Many have gone though school without being educated to learn. The
learning organization, I expect, can provide each worker the basis for
rational self-esteem which will allow them to be better parents, better
citizens. The key for the indiviudal is to accept the concept of life long
learning, but the culture of the individual may not support that. There's
always luck - even though students of luck, know you make your own.
Tom Christoffel - <tjcdsgns@shentel.net>
--Tom Christoffel <tjcdsgns@shentel.net>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>