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!
Jim Harris is the Principal of Strategic Advantage, Inc., a
management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and
leadership development. His clients include health care organizations,
government agencies and professional associations, as well as firms such
as General Motors, Arthur Andersen, Deloitte & Touche, Sybase, and
Connaught Laboratories & Pasteur Mrieux. He co-authored the Canadian
national best-seller The 100 Best Companies To Work For In Canada and
speaks internationally at over 70 conferences a year.