SNS: The Benefits of Replacing Fear with Excitement in Business
A Conversation with John Hagel
Hosted by Chuck House
About John Hagel
About Chuck House
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Publisher’s Note: At the end of WWII – among the Allies, at least – one could say that the world was dominated by a general feeling of hope. The GI Bill in the US gave equal educational opportunity to all who served. Mortgages on a first home also were easy to come by for returning military. It was the beginning of the longest economic expansion in modern history, as we began to turn from war (except with China, as proxy, in North Korea and then North Vietnam).
Whether envisioning the Jetsons, the all-electric home, or two cars in every garage, it was a time that may seem naive today, but it was simple, sincere, and hopeful.
In this discussion between one of the world’s great technology leaders and one of the world’s great business thinkers, a new question is put to us: Is today’s world driven more by fear than by hope? And if so, what is the result?
John Hagel has had the courage to step out of the usual consultant’s role and vocabulary, shifting from a language that MBAs love to one that would make even the most accomplished CEO somewhat uncomfortable. Are your employees operating in an environment of hope, or of fear? Are you sure you know the answer?
By introducing the element of personal emotional state into the question of business returns, John has broken through a new Mach barrier, and all of our members will likely agree that it is long past time. – mra
