The Learning Paradox

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0771575742 ISBN 13: 9780771575747

Publisher: Macmillan Canada, 1998

In the past, a secure job came from working for a large, established organization, preferably a monopoly or market leader in a stable industry. The longer your service, stronger your union, higher your rank or the more specialized your knowledge or function, the more secure you were. But in today's world, experience may be your worst enemy! Everything that used to create security now creates insecurity! In fact, large companies have been the largest net job losers in the '90s. And over 80 percent of the technology that we will use in 20 years hasn't been invented yet!

What will prepare you for the future? Learn how to learn. Become self-corrective and self-reflective. Increase your creativity and work better as a team member. We have moved from a knowledge-based to a learning-based economy. Learning, changing and accepting uncertainty creates security. Paradoxically, these are what we fear most as adults! The Learning Paradox will teach you not only how to survive business in the 90s, but how to thrive!

From the Inside Flap:

Digitization, deregulation, globalization, new competitors, Net-based business and liquidintellectual capital are rewriting the rules of business. In times of rapid change, experience may be your worst enemy! Almost every rule we know about business has changed. Change, creativity and ingenuity are the drivers of new growth. Organizations thrive by creating new value for customers.

Over 80 percent of the technology we will use in 20 years hasn't been invented yet! What will prepare you for the future? Learn how to learn. Become self-corrective and self-reflective. Increase your creativity and work better as a team member. The Learning Paradox will show you how to:

Create new markets, products & services

Design systems & structures for growth

Maximise shareholder value, employee security and customer loyalty by creating effective monopolies

Lock customers into new relationships that delight

Attract and retain the best employees

Keep margins higher than your industry average

In the past, a secure job came from working for a large, established organization, preferably a monopoly or market leader in a stable industry. The longer your service, stronger your union, higher your rank or the more specialized your knowledge or function, the more secure you were.

Everything that used to create security now creates insecurity! Large companies have been the largest net job losers in the '90s. Established companies in stable industries are facing stiff competition from new challengers as a result of digitization, deregulation and globalization. Monopolies are crumbling. Even governments are outsourcing. Old-style unions that resist new practices decrease their members' security. Workers who haven't learned new skills in the next 25 years are more likely to get a pink slip than a gold watch. And if you have your Ph.D you likely know a lot about outdated stuff. We have moved from a knowledge-based to a learning-based economy. Learning, changing and accepting uncertainty create security. Paradoxically, these are what we fear most as adults!

How can you:

Build a positive, motivating vision of the future while experiencing the wrenching effect of reorganization and change?

Focus people on the corporate challenges when they are so focused on job security?

Align people with the corporate strategy when they seem too cynical?

Create, innovate and continuously improve while maintaining the stability and security that people need?

Maintain control, yet allow people the freedom and autonomy to do what they need to be effective and satisfied in their work?

Create learning organizations when people are reluctant to take risks and be open about their mistakes?

Have people take responsibility for their careers and lives when they feel like victims of uncontrollable circumstances?

Develop leaders who are powerful without diminishing the power of others?

Generate confidence when the leaders themselves are not sure what the future will bring?

The Learning Paradox will answer these questions and address the challenges organizations are facing.

How can individuals and organisations create job security? Now, in The Learning Paradox, one of Canada's most successful management consultants offers a new approach to building a positive work life. By embracing change and continuous learning, we can overcome our fear of the unknown and create real security in our business and personal lives.

From the Back Cover:

"The Learning Paradox is a rich, in depth exploration of the major issues facing today's organizations. But it's more than that - it's filled with stories and examples that evoke curiosity, laughter, and true learning. Long after I put the book down, I found myself thinking about many of the lessons Jim Harris describes so well." Margaret J. Wheatley, Author Leadership and the New Science

"The Learning Paradox deals with the challenges of incessant change and helps make sense of the confusion, emerging trends and technologies. With profound insight, the book presents practical, proven strategies, tools, tips and techniques for individuals and organizations to thrive in today's fast changing business environment. I highly recommend you read the book - it had the same impact on me that Alvin Toffler's Future Shock did in 1971." Larry Wilson, Author, Play to Win, founder of Wilson Learning & Pecos River, coauthor The One Minute Sales Person and Stop Selling Start Performing

"Syncrude is the largest oil sands operation in the world. In a technically advanced and continually evolving business such as ours, it's vitally important for our people to constantly learn, change and adapt to uncertainty. In The Learning paradox, Jim Harris' message is clear, concise and powerful." Eric P. Newell, Chairman and CEO, Syncrude

"Harris offers a strikingly insightful and coherent organizational learning strategy for businesses in this rapidly changing world." Hunter & Amory Lovins, coauthors Natural Capitalism, Founders Rocky Mountain Institute

"Jim Harris has written a credible, well-reasoned book on the modern learning environment. In particular, I found his treatment of the impact of the Web on business/new economy thinking to be very insightful." Dr. Bill Richardson, Vice President and General Manager, Sun Educational Services, Sun Microsystems

"If I were told that my people and I could read only one business book during the next year I would, in a heartbeat, choose Jim Harris' The Learning Paradox. It communicates so very clearly not only the key issues we face, but the solutions we need for survival. This book is priceless." Lou Pritchett, retired Vice-President, Sales, Proctor and Gamble.