“There is a growing recognition that the complex work of today is better likened to improvisation theatre and jazz bands than to formal bureaucratic models or organization.” E. Schein

As I launch two boys into school for the year (grade 6 and 10), I pondered Edgar Schein’s quote in relation to the classes being offered and the assignments that will be due in the coming months.

We are already aware that the skill base required to thrive in today’s complex world is related to:

• adaptability
• knowing how to learn
• being comfortable with interpreting data
• experimenting/ pivoting with ideas or plans

So what are we doing to help our kids be ready?

Of course, that also leads to the question – what does someone in their mid/later career need to do to up their game to be the conductor of a jazz band?

And what can I do with the boys so that we can journey on the learning road together?