This is the second post in our monthly "TED Talk Tuesday" series, spotlighting can't-miss TED Talks and their key takeaways. You can learn more about our partnership with TED here.
Joi Ito is the director of MIT MediaLab, where he explores how radical new approaches to science and technology can transform society. In his TED Talk, he explains how freedom, action and focus are the new tenets of creativity in our connected world—sage advice for HR leaders innovating and transforming the future of work. Watch the video below, and read on for three key takeaways from his talk on how to innovate:
"The internet... pushed innovation to the edges."
Innovation before the internet—or "B.I." as Ito calls it—required permission, power and authority. But thanks to the rise of technology and connectivity, innovation has been pushed to edges and is no longer reserved for the classrooms of Ive League institutions, or major corporations. Instead, it's happening in dorm rooms and startups. Today, nearly everyone has the opportunity to try new ideas—so don't hold back.
"Learning over education."
As a three-time college dropout, the topic of modern education and learning is personal for Ito. He encourages people to go out and play: "Education is what people do to you," he says, "And learning is what you do to yourself." You need to learn how to learn—which requires going out there and putting your own ideas into action.
"Be a now-ist, not a futurist."
Last but not least, Ito advocates for presence and focus in our complex world. Don't worry about planning every moment, or preparing for every mishap; instead, focus on staying connected and paying attention. "I don't like the word 'futurist,'" he says, "I think we should be now-ists."
Check back next month for a new TED Talk Tuesday post!
Photo: TED
Related Resources
Want to keep learning? Explore our products, customer stories, and the latest industry insights.
Blog Post
The 5 Employment Laws Every Manager Must Know
Employment law is complicated and can have big repercussions for your company if employees fail to adhere to it — either out of ignorance or neglect. A talent contractor for Comcast was just forced to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit over unpaid overtime — a violation of employment law. While you can't expect everyone at your company to be experts in the law (that's why you should have an attorney on retainer), your managers should be trained on the basics. Otherwise, you make your company susceptible to lawsuits.
Blog Post
10 ways to conduct one-on-one meetings with impact
One of the basic premises of being an effective leader is to have regular one-on-one meetings with your staff. Yet often, these meetings feel like torture to the employee, lacking forethought and focus. In such cases, leaders need to recognize that the value of these interactions extends beyond mere formality. To make these one-on-ones effective, leaders should prepare for each meeting, set clear agendas and actively listen to their employees' concerns and feedback.
Template
Conversation starters managers employee 1 on 1 meetings
As a manager, you play an integral role in ensuring lines of communication between yourself and your employees remain open and healthy. One way to do this is by ensuring you and your employees participate in regular, meaningful one-on-one meetings. But sometimes, it can be difficult to know how to start the conversation – and keep it going.