Can our emotions and technology co-exist?

Now more than ever our world is changing at a faster rate than ever before.

 And a vital skill we need as we keeping evolving is making sure our mindset is open to change.

 Part of what makes us human and not a robot, is we often resist change rather than accept.

 Minds Aligned partners Rowena Hardy and Nick Bennett share their insights as to how unlock our creativity and emotional intelligence and apply it to future jobs.

When it comes to the future of work. The way we work and live is moving at a faster rate than ever before.

When it comes to our own digital renaissance, we need to be open to the fact we are constantly developing and changing, not re-birthing but shifting and evolving to something different more like an upgrade.

According to Nick we can often react emotionally to change and resist it rather than accept it is what it is, so it is about the mindset we choose.

“To me, it’s best to be pragmatic and realistic about the change and observe our self and find a way to be more effective.

“It is important to highlight that we are self-directed. Regardless of the experience, we are the authors of our own future story, so the question is “What do I want this chapter to be?” Nick said.

 And that is a crucial question when it comes to the future of work. The way we work and live is moving at a faster rate than ever before.

If there is one important takeaway from the future of work and the digital renaissance we are in, it is upskilling is vital to remain relevant.

 “Yes, technology will replace widgets and repetitive tasks but will enhance work roles rather than entirely replace human input and wisdom.

“It is important to develop skills through training for people to understand the benefits of and interact more effectively with technology, engaging our curiosity and developing EI (emotional intelligence),” Nick suggested.

Rowena added that we need to help people embrace change and see it as opportunity rather than a threat. She further offered that a return to building effective relationships with people, face to face, in person, could help to avoid isolation that technology may bring.

 “Technology needs to be a tool for us to improve the way we go about things and improve our lives, creating more efficiency and improving effectiveness vs taking over our lives,” Rowena.

So, with all this historical change occurring daily how do we create a positive narrative around transformation?  

Rowena offered the CARES neuroscience model as is one way to reflect on the impact of change and what is creating fear around it.

CARES stand for Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Equity and Significance.

 “Create Certainty wherever and however we can in small ways, small steps. Support Autonomy and Relatedness by taking control of decision-making; upskill, re-skill, build connections with people who are positive, supportive, constructive and entrepreneurial, those who challenge your thinking and create a mind shift,” Rowena said.

“Acknowledge that it may be that your job/role/skillset is impacted (Equity and Significance); find acceptance and connection with others, find meaningful work, volunteer while in transition, stay occupied while exploring new possibilities, do some free training programs online and review/identify your purpose in life with authenticity and consistency,” Nick added.

 Rowena commented that a new year or any time when there is an end of a cycle (day, week, month, or year) offers the opportunity for reflection and forward focus.

 What will your motivation be to help evolve your mindset?

Mindset activity

Any time at the end of cycle(day, week, month of year) offers the opportunity for reflection and forward focus.

 A new year or any time when there is an end of a cycle (day, week, month or year) offers the opportunity for reflection and forward focus.

 Questions to support reflection:

·       What were my achievements?

·       What did I learn?

·       What could I have done differently or improved?

·       Did I stay true to my purpose (if I have one)?

 And others to support forward focus:

·       What am I ready and willing to accept?

·       What am I ready and willing to let go of?

·       What am I ready and willing to embrace or explore?

·       Based on what worked well and what I could do differently or improve from last year/cycle, how

will I apply what that?

·       How will I stay aligned with my purpose (if I have one)?