Sometimes under the veil of innovation, I choose to take calculated risks in my projects, my classes, my consulting and in my words. Well, this weeks TRIPLE III TIME message Warning: UNLEARNING In Progress!…takes full advantage of the innovation veil.  Because I believe that today there is unique, unexpected value…maybe even personal and professional gains that can be achieved through selective UNLEARNING.

First, consider the traditional “packages” put together by economic development officials to convince companies to relocate or expand in their regions.  Grants, tax exemptions and a reliable workforce have been the mainstays.  But what about now? Cell coverage, high-speed internet and a workforce that has “technological capabilities” as one of its “literacy requirements” are now priorities! Do development experts have to UNLEARN their views of traditional business needs/expectations and rebuild their sales pitches?

Next let’s stop by and visit a local public school.  What types of items are on their lists of classroom needs for the coming year(s)?  Chromebooks, white boards (in every classroom), security cameras throughout the school, multi-gender bathrooms and staff training on deadly attacks that may occur in the schools…may be at the top of their lists.  So, do we UNLEARN historic demand for written and verbal communication?  And do we make computer screen-time the largest part of the learning process?

Finally, when employers say COMMUNICATION, CRITICAL THINKING and PROBLEM-SOLVING skills are what they most look for and value in their employees…do you somehow feel that you are caught at an UNLEARNING crossroads?  How do we make the necessary personal and professional adjustments and embrace today’s/tomorrow’s change expectations…but not lose the valuable interpersonal growth components that make us who we are?

So what is the best advice?

Well my Grandma used to say: “You only have so much room in your brain…so make sure you keep the right stuff in there.”  And one of my guiding principles has always been to hold on to what you have (i.e. program/policy/practice) until you have something better to take it’s place.

So as you do your professional spring cleaning…should we post the sign, Warning: UNLEARNING In Progress!?