I have always been a math fan, with my favorite concept after the asymptote being the change symbol. Delta is used as the symbol for difference or change. From memory I wanted the Delta symbol to be an isosceles triangle but it may be a better description to say it is an equilateral triangle. You would think a Qwerty keyboard would have a Delta symbol – not mine. I have been thinking about change this last week . First, I finally gave up on my golf game and headed off to the practice tee. Maybe I was inspired by the come back of Tiger Woods or just tired of losing bets to my golf partner. Regardless, seems I have heard, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I am committed to a few swing changes and some focused practice that I know will move me further from insanity. I will keep you posted on my life learning endeavor.
Second, I am very concerned about the changes projected in the work force over the next few years. I have mentioned Siri and the burgeoning use of artificial intelligence in our personal lives, business, and industry. Imagine AI and robotics creating 58 million more jobs than they destroy by 2022. The World Economic forum believes that forecast is possible. Companies are learning how to accept, adopt, and incorporate new technologies. The jobs will likely change in quality, location and format and we can expect new roles that likely will not be full time. The “4th Industrial Revolution” is under way and will alter how people live, work and relate. Digital altered our world over the last twenty years, prepare for even more rapid disruption. The study suggests that development of new technologies could eliminate 75 million jobs by 2025 and create 133 million new roles. Further, machines will perform more tasks in the work place than humans by 2025. Another well documented study by Bain and Company titled “Labor 2020: the Collision of Demographics, Automation and Inequality” is worth review. They conclude that the “coming transformation will test leadership teams profoundly.” The challenges will be great but the potential rewards for the US and global economy will go to those able to rapidly adapt and change. A huge issue will be retraining our work force to fill the new positions. Idaho is projecting a significant trained worker shortage in these same time periods – our Idaho progress has been slow but appears to be accelerating. The ”Delta” in worker skills needs to be significant. Education is a key element to assure the future economic viability of our economy.
I clearly remember the blaring sound of the CONELRAD alert system, a 1KHz tone for 15 seconds. It was intended to warn the public of an enemy attack during the Cold War. The system was not effective and has been replaced several times. The Federal Emergency Management System will test the National Wireless Emergency Alert System by sending a text message on October 3 at 2:18 ET. This will indicate the President’s ability to communicate to the public in the event of an emergency. I know this is serious stuff, but I thought he already had this capability through his Twitter account. Keep the faith.
Enjoy the week end, Mike