And Now a Change of Course

As we are trying to come to terms with another terrorist act, this time in Orlando, I want to concentrate on the future. Regardless of the fallout from this attack, and knowing that many of us need time to process what has happened on many levels, the fact remains: We will not be deterred. Time doesn't stand still, and neither will we.
 
One of my favorite quotes comes from an African proverb: "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This is what the USA is going to be: the ability of people to work together and accomplish great things. I'll be specific.
 
Let's start with Washington, DC. I'll admit that I poke fun at our federal government a LOT. It's the gift that keeps on giving: our government is frustrating, dysfunctional and at times inane. But the truth is that it is not hopeless as many believe. It's time to stop acknowledging the obvious ("Our government is useless!") and move on to another idea: government can and will play a critical role in our professional lives. Hate the government all you want, but it will go on governing with or without you. Might as well try to work with it (which is almost revolutionary if you think about it).
 
Next, THE ROBOTS ARE COMING! Yes, they are. Objects in your rear view mirror are much, much closer than they appear, and they're about to go past us. When many services no longer need human beings to accomplish what machines will do, what is the future?
 
The answer will come down to people, relationships and culture. The USA is as divided today as it ever has been, at least in my lifetime. How can we disrupt that? I think the answer is to do something that will disrupt a society based on instant gratification, immediate information and a tendency to isolate ourselves with technology.
 
Success in the age of robots is going to depend on patience, mutual respect and the ability to listen to one another. A huge cultural revolution if you think about it. But the ability to "work well with others" (what an old-fashioned concept! Wait... Maybe it's an all-new concept! Let's try it!) is what will make businesses, professions and services work in this new world.
 
And finally, we are going to have to do things that robots cannot do, and government cannot oversee. Robots and government lack what we as people have and what makes us unique. The future is about solving problems creatively, by working together and investing in the future. Milton Friedman famously said, "The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits." That might have been true at one time.
 
But the future holds a different mentality. I believe that businesses in the next 5-10 years will offer employees, customers and investors the ability to generate quality products and services that offer financial returns AND benefits to our culture. Combining profits, happy customers and a purpose. A purpose that transcends profit.
 
Technology is good. But a PURPOSE trumps robots. It makes working with government and one another a positive revolution that is within our reach.
 
There are many issues facing us. The solutions are within you and me. It's a revolution. Bring it on. 

Thanks for reading!

Taylor