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| Declare Your Interdependence |
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To help you plan for the Best Year of Your Career, I'm delighted to share with you the key findings from the Environics 2008 Social Values Monitor. The Social values monitor is Environics flagship syndicated research study. It has been conducted annually in Canada since 1983. 87 social values trends are tracked covering many aspects of human motivation and social relations. Watch the short video I've prepared for you. Its insights could transform the way you live and work in 2009.
The overall story is one of connectivity and that's a very interesting story. It's about networking in social groups, helping each other be successful, and being a part of a team to make things work. It's about getting the job done by championing diversity, tolerance, openness, experimentation and exploration. It's a story in which technology is helping us accomplish mutual objectives. It's about being flexible, diverse and pragmatic. The winners will be connected to many different communities both functionally and culturally. It's your connections that will determine your value like never before. It's about belonging to multiple groups and having multiple identities. Yup, it's about ultimate flexibility while knowing exactly who you are and what you stand for.
There are four Meta-trends that are transforming the way Canadians live and work in 2009 and beyond. These are: firstly, a greater sense of empowerment facilitated by achievement, adaptability, flexibility and technology. Secondly, growth of exploration personally, professionally, culturally and consumptively. Thirdly, a search for new solutions regarding gender roles, family, culture and government involvement. And fourthly, post-materialism. It's about the new frugality and it's also about the pursuit of experiences rather than the acquisition of things.
Environics categorizes 31% of Canadians as being in the "Experience and Personal Development" quadrant. It's the one that is growing fastest. And it's where the most successful Canadians are located in terms of income, occupation and wellbeing. They have a growing motivation to excel at work. They want to feel that they're doing something meaningful. They are under time stress but they have a great sense of vitality that they apply to accomplishing big things. Their confidence and adaptability is on the rise. They adapt to complexity and navigate their way through uncertainty. They have a lower need for control and structure. They want a flexible work environment where they can apply their gifts. They look for momentary escapes but not at the expense of self control. In the current economic environment, they know they have to be responsible.
Their reason rules, but not at the expense of their enjoyment.They have a much stronger focus on connecting with others and learning from them. They have an interest in the mysterious as a source of wonder and inspiration, but they're not flaky. Their actions are grounded in reality and they are pragmatists to the core. At the same time, they're introspecting to find new solutions to new challenges. They're going within because there are no external solutions any more. They don't reject others but they want to understand the layers of influences around them so they can leverage them. They've made the decision to invest in themselves because investing in themselves is the best investment they can make. They generally know where they're going but they want to hear from others so they can adapt their learning and make it their own. They know that other people are desperate for guidance and confidence and they're determined to provide it.
It's the declaration of interdependence and leadership. It's a whole new kind of leadership. It's not the man with a plan but the man or woman who allows everyone to be part of leadership. Along with their mental vitality is a greater focus on taking care of health. They're aware of their mortality - half of them are over 40. They're becoming more global in focus. The old days of hard nationalism have gone out the window.
Here's a key lesson from the research: Life will be more demanding for every Canadian. That's why we have to invest in our capacity to handle the unknown like never before. No one knows the exact way that's right for you. Put yourself in as many different situations as possible. Get on as many teams of diverse people as you can and adapt. Leverage Canadian diversity, gender, age, ethnicity and cultures. Synthesize what you're hearing, communicate it, share it, You have to be your client. Think at level of community. Be a microcosm of the country. Be an example of the people who are changing the country.
I hope you're inspired to experience life and develop yourself to the maximum in 2009. Remember, you're not just doing it for yourself, by yourself. You're catalyzing the personal development and experiences for millions of others as well. If One Canadian can, every other Canadian can.
If you want to know more about the Environics Social Values Monitor and how it can help you and your organization thrive, call me on 416-917-6007 or e-mail me at mike.lipkin@environics.ca. |
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