By Jason Cameron, ScrumCraft, Host of Agility @ Scale
In our recent episode of Agility @ Scale, I had the pleasure of hosting Lynne Cazaly, a renowned keynote speaker, facilitator, and author of ten insightful books, including “Think” and “Ish: The Life-Changing Practice of Good Enough.” Her latest talk, “Clever Skills: Putting Your Greatest Human Capabilities to Work,” was a deep dive into the importance of human capabilities in the modern workplace, especially amidst rapid technological advancements.
Here are some key takeaways from our conversation, coupled with practical applications for integrating these insights into your daily life and work.
The Importance of Cognitive Skills
Lynne highlighted the significance of cognitive skills, especially as we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In an era where technological capabilities are rapidly advancing, our thinking power becomes increasingly vital. Lynne pointed out that many of us operate on a “default network,” relying on ingrained habits to get through our tasks. However, she emphasized the need to be more deliberate and directive with our cognitive processes to maximize our potential.
Practical Application: To enhance your cognitive skills, try dedicating time each day to activities that challenge your thinking. This could include puzzles, strategic games, or learning a new language. Additionally, practice mindfulness to become more aware of your thought patterns and habits, enabling you to direct your thinking more effectively.
Leveraging Past Experiences
One of the most compelling points Lynne made was about the untapped potential in our past experiences. She shared stories of people with diverse backgrounds—from paramedics to military personnel—who bring a wealth of skills to their current roles. Recognizing and leveraging these past experiences can significantly enhance team performance and individual job satisfaction.
Practical Application: Create an “experience map” for your team. Encourage each member to share their past roles and skills, regardless of how unrelated they might seem. This exercise not only builds trust but also uncovers hidden talents that can be leveraged for current projects.
Adaptability as a Core Capability
Adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Lynne stressed that clinging to outdated ways of working can lead to stagnation, under-earning, and under-employment. Instead, she encouraged embracing change and continuously evolving our skill sets.
Practical Application: Foster a culture of adaptability within your team. Encourage continuous learning and provide opportunities for team members to acquire new skills. This can be through workshops, online courses, or even job rotations. The goal is to build a resilient team capable of thriving in changing environments.
Embracing Hybrid Work Environments
Lynne introduced the concept of the new hybrid—working not just in physical and digital spaces but also alongside AI. She urged us not to outsource our thinking entirely to AI but to use it as a complementary tool to enhance our capabilities.
Practical Application: Identify areas in your workflow where AI can enhance efficiency without replacing human judgment. For example, use AI for data analysis to inform decision-making but ensure that final decisions are made through human insight and creativity.
Developing and Leveraging Clever Skills
Lynne discussed several clever skills, such as facilitation, improvisation, and sense-making. These skills are not just about work but are essential for life, helping us navigate complex situations and make sense of chaos.
Practical Application:
- Facilitation: Practice making things easier for others in your meetings by using open gestures and clear communication.
- Improvisation: Develop your ability to adapt in the moment by engaging in exercises that require quick thinking and flexibility.
- Sense-making: Enhance your ability to make sense of complex information by using visualization techniques and collaborative tools.
Conclusion
Our discussion with Lynne Cazaly was a reminder of the incredible potential within each of us. By being deliberate about our cognitive skills, leveraging past experiences, embracing adaptability, and developing clever skills, we can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence and creativity.
Let’s not outsource our thinking but rather augment it with AI, making ourselves indispensable in the process. As Lynne aptly put it, “Use it or lose it.” Let’s ensure we are continually evolving, learning, and leveraging our greatest human capabilities.
For more insights and practical tips, tune into the full episode of Agility @ Scale and explore how you can put your clever skills to work.
About the Author:
Jason Cameron is the host of Agility @ Scale and the founder of ScrumCraft, a leading provider of agile training, consulting, and coaching services. With a passion for agile transformation and a deep interest in neuroscience, Jason is dedicated to helping teams unlock their full potential.
