Navigating the Largest Transformation in Human History

In today’s world, we are experiencing one of the most significant transformations in human history. This profound change is not something we can simply think our way through; instead, we must feel our way through it. The future is less about intelligence and more about wisdom.

Understanding Transformation Phases

Transformation, whether personal or organizational, always involves three phases:

1. Sadness: The first phase involves sadness from leaving the shore of familiarity and stepping out of our comfort zones. It also includes the sorrow of letting go of identities we’ve spent decades developing as we embark on new journeys.
2. Strangeness: COVID-19 has thrust all of us out of our comfort zones, leading us into what can be termed a “strange new reality.” This reality is likely to become even more unfamiliar in the next decade.
3. Adventure: While we are still about ten years away from rediscovering adventure and aligning our skills with the world’s new demands, it’s essential to understand that we are only at the beginning of this journey.

Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Navigating Change

To navigate this transformation successfully, we must cultivate emotional intelligence. Processing our emotions is crucial to facing the unfamiliar with optimism, curiosity, and fascination. If we neglect this emotional work, we risk entering this new world feeling angry, sad, and frustrated.

C.S. Lewis aptly described this process: “I sat with my anger long enough until she told me her name was grief.”

The Challenge of Uncertainty

Our current societal structures—education, organizations, and governments—are built on the need for stability and a reliance on certainty. However, we now find ourselves in a world that is anything but certain. The future requires us to feel our way through this uncertainty rather than trying to think our way out of it.

Preparing for the Future

This transformation demands a shift in our approach, prioritizing emotional intelligence and wisdom over mere intelligence. By embracing and processing our emotions, we can navigate this strange new reality with resilience and hope, preparing ourselves for the adventures that lie ahead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we face this unprecedented transformation, it is essential to recognize and process the emotions involved. By doing so, we can navigate the uncertainty and strangeness of our new reality with optimism and curiosity, ultimately preparing ourselves for a future filled with adventure and aligned with the world’s latest demands.

Note: This blog post is an adaptation of the transcript from the video below.