The Post Apocalyptic Workplace: #TChat Recap
“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” —Back to the Future
Predictions are like horoscopes — a fun way to pass the time, and a fabulous way to capture the imagination. Take the impending “Mayan” apocalypse for example. Most consider it rubbish. Yet, thanks to human fascination with folklore and the future, along with social media’s continuous need to “feed the beast,” the influence of the Mayan calendar is reaching across centuries to tweak us under the collective chin with provocative ideas about the end of the world.
Now THAT’S a remarkable demonstration of culture and the power of predictions!
But wait just a minute. Isn’t there a larger lesson to learn here? I don’t think it’s really about the predictions, themselves. Instead, it’s about how skewed “reality” can become as it passes through time, and through many perceptual filters. The Mayans created highly sophisticated technology — an intricate calendar. However, they didn’t use it to predict that the”end of the world” would arrive this month. That conclusion is actually the result of muddy interpretations by many other folks along the way.
2012 — Looking Back to the Future
Now, with that in mind, let’s turn to this week’s “Back to the Future” #TChat, where we jumped into our Twitter-powered DeLorean, and looked into the rear-view mirror, as well as ahead at the future of the workplace…
As the Storify highlights slideshow at the end of this post confirms, members of the @TalentCulture community are wise – not only because they’re dialed-in to key issues and trends that influence the world of work. But what I find even more rewarding about #TChat is the spirit of collective discovery that accompanies our interactions.
None of us has all the answers. None of us sees the world through the same eyes. But together, we can shine a brighter light on what lies ahead. There is strength in numbers as we move forward on this professional journey – regardless of the outcome. And that’s worth celebrating as we welcome 2013 in this era of technology-enabled communications.
NOTE: To see specific highlights from yesterday’s “Back to the Future” #TChat session, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
#TChat Week-in-Review
A heartfelt thanks to collaborative learning visionary, author and activist, Angela Maiers (@AngelaMaiers), who generously led us through a week filled with insights about the past, present and future of talent. Angela’s commitment to constructive change, and optimism for the road ahead is infectious. It was impossible to participate in any of this week’s events and not be inspired to take action in the 2013. Her rallying cry…”Amplify!”
SUN 12/16
Forbes.com post by TalentCulture Founder, Meghan M. Biro: “5 Trends Defining the World of Work and Leadership in 2013”
MON 12/17
#TChat weekly Preview: “Gazing Back, Driving the Future of Work”
Google+ Hangout video: Angela Maiers talked with TalentCulture community manager, Tim McDonald, about what’s needed to nurture a future workforce that is more viable and engaged. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7U3JMUjHxE
TUE 12/18
#TChat Radio program: Angela joined hosts Meghan M. Biro and Kevin W. Grossman on BlogTalkRadio, to discuss key workplace trends – including why and how it’s essential to foster stronger ties between education and business, going forward.
WED 12/19
#TChat on Twitter: The entire community gathered around the Twitter stream, as Angela, Meghan and Kevin challenged participants to explore how trends in leadership practices, social media, technology, the economy, and politics are influencing workplace culture and talent strategies — past, present and future.
As always, the #TChat hashtag lit-up like a Christmas tree, with hundreds of opinions that exposed both the best and worst of 2012. But the party really started as we turned our sights to what’s on the horizon. No lack of ideas about the need for improvement or how we can get “there” from here!
To see full highlights from yesterday’s #TChat session, watch the Storify slideshow at the end of this post.
The Road Ahead
As another year draws to a close, the TalentCulture community seems more vibrant and vocal than ever. In my humble opinion, that bodes well for the “post apocalyptic” workplace. Because, no matter what we face ahead in the world of work, we have one another. We may not arrive at our intended destination as soon as we would like, or in the manner we expect. But as long as our community stands, we will not travel alone.
If TalentCulture has anything to say about it – the future is COMMUNITY. Thanks for your contributions – past, present and future. As this week’s fearless #TChat leader, Angela Maiers, likes to say, “Together we are smarter.”
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Closing Notes & Highlights Slideshow
NOTE TO BLOGGERS: If this #TChat session inspired you to write about trends in talent strategy, leadership or other workplace issues, we’re happy to share your thoughts. Just post a link on Twitter (at #TChat or @TalentCulture), or insert a comment below, and we’ll add it to our archives. There are many voices in this community, with many ideas worth sharing. Let’s capture as many of them as possible.
WHAT’S AHEAD: #TChat events are on hold for the next 2 weeks – so enjoy your holidays! But first, grab your shiny new 2013 calendar and save the dates — January 8 & 9, when we’ll take a fresh look at “A New Year of Career Management.” Join us as career strategists discuss the job market, professional branding, and other factors that influence employment – first on #TChat Radio, Tuesday, Jan 8th at 7:30pm ET. And then on #TChat Twitter Wednesday, Jan 9, at 7pm ET. Look for a full preview on Monday, January 7 via @TalentCulture and #TChat.
See you in 2013!
Image credit: Back to the Future movie
#TChat INSIGHTS Slide Show: “Back to the Future” in the World of Work
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#TChat INSIGHTS: Gazing Back and Driving the Future of Work
Storified by TalentCulture World of Work · Wed, Dec 19 2012 17:47:24