I watched the University challenge saga on the TV this morning
and thought there were some important parallels with the
development of human mindsets. The Corpus Christi team lost their
title as a member was now found to be working as an Accountant. And
a very humble and uncomfortable Manchester team were awarded the
title instead.
What does this situation say about our thinking?
1. Transparency and integrity are essential.
Who knows whether the person found breaking the rules realised or
just turned a blind eye thinking it was not important. Whatever, he
will learn that transparency and integrity are always essential.
Some people get away with it for a while, however, eventually it
always catches up with them. I wish him well as he is likely to be
feeling very uncomfortable today and has received a very public
punishment for a minor issue.
2. Both Character and Competence are important if
people are to achieve great results - The way the Manchester team
responded suggested they were far more than human computers. If our
younger generation were to widely adopt such characteristics as
humility the future would be very promising.
3. Corporate thinking must change - The BBC has
created lots of publicity for the programme through its decision.
However, the negative is that their behaviour seems bureaucratic
and out of touch reinforcing the stereo type. It demonstrates a
level of awareness focused on red tape, rules and bureaucracy which
is also a common perception of the public sector.
The private sector in comparison is more typically competitive in
nature with strategic thinking and aggressive target chasing. Both
systems of thinking have their weaknesses. You only need to see the
breakdown of the banks.
We need businesses, organisations and new talent who show higher
levels of awareness which includes humility, care for the
environment, respect for customers, employees, suppliers and
competitors. Also results achieved through creativity rather than
outdoing the competition, global thinking and flexible guidelines
that serve the customer. This requires a shift in cultural thinking
which the current changes in the economy will ultimately bring.