Nine principles to start learning to unlearn

Unlearn.

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The barriers to change and development are the things we have learnt.

Learning and development can't be a do-or-die activity, or another KPI. It is not about adding, like adding up skills, but reconnecting which starts with unlearning. It is sustainable development with purpose.

Unuse.

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We have learnt that everything should be accessible and even disposable.

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We created a world of wants. Like all resources, learning and development is not disposable. We should rethink our learning and development approach and methodology with sustainability, accountability and co-creation at the core of it.

Unplug. 

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We have learnt that distance is the problem; yet we complain about poor communication in open spaces.

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It starts with disconnection, to reassess the quality of our network and how we connect to it, the quality of our relationships. Redesigning our virtual communication plan should aim at finding opportunities to build trust and recreate hallway talks with our remote partners. 

Uncontrol.

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The need for control got most of leaders where they are. And now?

Now that people are distant and events uncertain, how does control work? Reassessing how much we need to control, how ready we are to trust, and what does it mean to others, is a good starting point to unlearn. 

Unseek.

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Stop seeking approval. Reassess your perception of what power is about.

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The current age shakes up the vertical concept of organizations and traditional attributes of power. We need to rethink who we want to seek recognition from, and why.

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Unplan.

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We have learnt that failing to plan is planning to fail.

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In an increasingly volatile and uncertain world, we should question how we plan. Strengthening our vision, rather than our planning, should become the priority. Also, in a world of complex interdependencies, inclusive planning should become the norm.

Unfollow.

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We need to question where the culture of following is leading us, who we are following and why.

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Despite hundreds of management books published every year, millions of inspirational speakers' videos posted on YouTube about thinking out-of-the-box or leading with empathy, most leaders still embrace new ideas or empower people reluctantly, and only if there is an abundance of proof, or pressure. Don't follow blindly. It's time to be at your best, not at others' best.

Unsee.

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The world has taught us to look at people and issues in a certain way.

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What we have learnt have shaped our judgments and assumptions. In a diverse, ambiguous and complex age, where nothing is clear, we need to unlearn, starting by questioning what we see, exploring perspectives and clarifying together.

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Unhear.

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We learnt that it's a man's world. We learnt that introverts can't lead. We learnt that vulnerability is weakness. We learnt that one person can't make a difference.

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It became voices in our head. It's time to question what we have learnt.

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Do a quick poll and tell us what you would like to unlearn - click here