IRTS Fellow to Fellow: Keep an Open Mind

By #Ask-GenZ Archives
Cover image for  article: IRTS Fellow to Fellow: Keep an Open Mind

Some say that to be broad in thinking and interests is to be moldable, while others believe that being broad can cause you to get lost or overlooked in the sea of opportunities. Through a series of one-on-one conversations, I have been given a lot to think about. So, bear with me while I shift gears.

The industry is changing. Innovations are popping up left and right. The pandemic taught us that a business doesn't need to be in person all the time to be successful. Remote jobs are seeing an increase in applicants. If change in this industry is normal, why are the people not changing with it? Why is it difficult to see which traditions can evolve and which should be dropped? Whether it be the longevity of a product, a company or an employee, everyone fears becoming obsolete. The answer to this problem is available to each of us but it is rarely attained. Why? Because the one thing people fear more than being outdated is changing.

There is a divide between generations. So much can be learned from each other, yet few conversations are had. Each generation plays a part in the divide. Of all the time in the day, both young and old people act as if they can't spare a couple of minutes to check in on their peers or coworkers. Just as a simple gift from a grandfather can spark a new interest, a brief conversation can unlock new potential.

The skill of problem solving has been emphasized since grade school but when faced with a problem we would rather struggle alone than ask for help. Maybe it is stubbornness and pride or maybe it is fear of relinquishing control. Whatever the reason, the willful inability to ask for help hinders the possibility of growth. In an industry where you must stay on your toes, what sense does it make to reject new ideas?

Working together with a variety of perspectives is the key to success. It yields ideas that can withstand the change of time. In other words, diversity is the key. In this case we are focusing on diversity in terms of age. Kirk Franklin said the issue of today is that older people would rather die with the torch than pass it on. Why build something if you aren't going to show someone how to continue caring for it after you have gone?

I am thankful to be a part of a company and foundation that give me access to a range of knowledge from a variety of age groups. With each meeting I gain new ways to think about things and inspiration for writing material.

Don't close yourself off to new possibilities because it deviates from your plan for your life or your company. The best adventures are the ones that produce sights not visible on your horizon.

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