Happy New Year 2021!

Start the year with fresh thinking with a simple collaborative tool to get you unlearning.

2020 has taught us a lesson. It is an opportunity. It's time to learn to unlearn. As we start 2021, the following exercise adapted from Bruno Latour's work on "where to land after the pandemic" should help you unlearn and take advantage of the disruption of 2020.

First, answer this questionnaire for yourself:

1. What are the activities suspended, by choice or by force, that you would like to see not resumed? For example, going to work everyday, following some work routines like meetings, processes or control-related activities, seeking approval or recognition from your peers or bosses, planning, travelling etc; check united-notions' nine principles to find inspiration.

2. Describe, in a few bullet points for each activity, why you think this activity is frivolous, destructive, meaningless, inconsistent, superficial; think sustainability, impact, efficiency, engagement.

3. Describe, in a few bullet points for each activity, the benefits of stopping or replacing this activity.

4. Now think of the people who are negatively impacted by this activity being stopped or replaced, who are they? Think interdependencies; for example, not going to work everyday can negatively impact members of your team, your boss, or workers at the office cafe who could lose their job, etc

5. For each of them, how could you help them adjust, as the activity is being stopped? This is about collaboration and accountability.

6. Now, think about the suspended activities that, this time, you would like to see resumed; for example, informal face-to-face meetings, some processes, planning, travelling etc.

7. Describe, in a few bullet points for each activity, why you miss these activities so much. What are their true benefits? How do you feel about it? Think motivation, purpose, impact.

8. Describe, in a few bullet points for each activity, how, by reconnecting to their purpose, you could rethink these activities or restart them from scratch, when it's time to resume them. For example, rethinking business travel, or face-to-face team meetings.

9. Who can help you rethink?

Now, find a way to compare and confront your answers with your family, your team, colleagues, or manager etc. You will notice differences and even disagreement on what is being unlearnt. But, more importantly, you will see this tool as a concrete collaborative opportunity to build common ground for 2021 and the post-pandemic world.

We are interested in feedback or any questions you have about 2021 fresh thinking and how we support clients ; please send an email to Sébastien smehaignerie@united-notions.com

Happy 2021!