People's Smarts - What Difference Do They Make at Work?

Why is it that so many of today's organizations and systems assume that people's talents and intelligences are equal? Intriguingly, the premise is that when teachers or trainers talk the students or employees listen, learn and then go on to pass state standardized tests or use new skills. Knowledge in - Knowledge out! Hmmm... Maybe I missed the boat somewhere...

Are people's intelligences equal and do folks learn and apply new skills in the same way where you work?

And do these people sit in look alike cubicles that hold exactly the same equipment?

Interestingly, John Wagner asks some great questions, along with humorous applications and includes how No Child Left Behind would look if applied to football, from The Texas Blue, a progressive blog. What a depiction of current approaches to people's gifts and talents!

No Child Left Behind: The Football Version

1. All teams must make the state playoffs, and all must win the championship. If a team does not win the championship, they will be on probation until they are the champions, and coaches will be held accountable.

2. All kids will be expected to have the same football skills at the same time and in the same conditions. No exceptions will be made for interest in football, a desire to perform athletically, or genetic abilities or disabilities. ALL KIDS WILL PLAY FOOTBALL AT A PROFICIENT LEVEL.

3. Talented players will be asked to work out on their own without instruction. This is because the coaches will be using all their instructional time with the athletes who aren't interested in football, have limited athletic ability or whose parents don't like football.

4. Games will be played year round, but statistics will only be kept in 4th, 8th and 11th games. This will create a New Age of sports where every school is expected to have the same level of talent and all teams will reach the same minimal goals. If no child gets ahead, then no child will be left behind.

John concludes - Funny stuff.

How might business tap peoples' smarts more and build on them for approaches and perspectives that propel new outcomes? Hmmm... I wonder what learning and professional development will look like in 25 years. Thoughts????????

By the way, there's a difference in person 5!