Can Intelligence replace Attitude?

21st century modern society is becoming more knowledgeable and information flows at the speed of light. We are more savvy at using technology than ever before and at the same time becoming highly dependent on it.

Our efficiency and productivity is also at its all time high. Do we attribute this to our intelligence or technology has made things simpler?

Hardwork, dedication and a quest to achieve more has always been some of the essential qualities/attributes for bringing ideas to existence. Is intelligence needed to innovate and create? Yes you need it. Is that the only thing needed? No, there are other more important things too.

Unfortunately today we measure people's abilities based on their degrees, which school they went, which company they worked for, who are they connected to, etc. These should not be the measuring criteria or barometer to gauge a person's ability of what he/she can do for an organization.

Over the last 15 plus years,  having traveled across the world and worked for some name brands, I see the following are more important qualities of an individual that is going to make a difference to an organization.

1. Attitude, Attitude and Attitude - This is key for any person to move from point A to B, get things done and provide a positive radiance around him/her. Without this intelligence is just another attribute.

2. Aptitude - Certain tacit abilities and capabilities differentiates a performer from a rock star. Aptitude is a great plus. This concoction of positive attitude and aptitude can be lethal. 

3. Pleasant Persona - You could be the best, could have every skill that is needed, but can you still be a team player? can you be a leader? can you attract and motivate others? Your personal connect and compassion can bring in that.

Intelligence cannot be the only attribute and the first choice of considering someone better over others. Organization are made by humans and their cohesive work towards a greater goal creates the brand. Intelligence is important, but just cannot be the only thing. Attitude plays the driver's role.

Technological Advances - A boon or curse

Innovation and inventions have been part of the growth evolution of the Homo Sapiens . A century ago the biggest every discoveries were possibly fire, the wheel and levers. The inquisitive human mind is always in the quest to learn,  and pave new paths.

Technology is part of our life today, be it the car we drive to work, the computer we use, the machines that produce goods in our shop floors have only contributed positively to reduce the manual effort in each activity we do. Machines, tools, technology, robots, etc. have only reduced the intervention of human labor and improved productivity.

Today our factories use far less human resources to manufacture same quantity of products as compared to a couple of decades ago. Thanks to the innovative and modern automated system which can do repetitive jobs effectively, to the specification and possible accurate every time. These machines don't complain, can be operated without a break (unless broken),  can get things done quicker and most importantly can produce an output at a cheaper cost. Most offices don't have administrative staff or have reduced drastically, as people are expected to type in their own letter, print, scan and fax their document. Emails have replaced letters, physical paper file cabinets have disappeared with the scanners files, external hard drives or cloud storage. Billing, payments, payrolls have been automated and we are encouraged to go online to review the payments and transactions.

What does all this mean? Decades ago we were able to employ people to get many things done. Human intervention was essential to get things done. This was possibly slower and error prone. However we were able to provide people with jobs. More people were able to work and earn a living for themselves and their families. The world population has crossed the 7 Billion marks and in the next 10 years it is likely to cross the 8 Billion mark. Some interesting stats can be see in http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

According to a report by ILO in 2012, "The world faces the “urgent challenge” of creating 600 million productive jobs over the next decade in order to generate sustainable growth and maintain social cohesion". The following report is certainly worth a read - http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_171700/lang--en/index.htm

The following two analysis shows unemployment rates and idle hands

One could argue stating the skill sets don't match with the jobs that are around. However is it practically feasible to have everyone in the world, to be a college graduate with advanced degrees. Even if this was true, can we generate all the jobs to meet the increasing population and the youth who is looking for a job. In most countries people are still working well into their 70s and the life expectancy has increased. Hence are we able to accommodate or provide an opportunity for the fresh graduate or with lesser experience.

Technology and innovation has certainly brought wonders and made lives simpler. However the question is at what cost? Are we able to provide a path for people to earn their living? Can we have people pay for the services and products that is being produced / provided? Can we strike a balance between efficiency, lowering cost, profitability and employment?

I certainly cannot think of a smooth sailing path for this with the current situation. Would love to hear from individuals who echo with this problem and feel there can a brighter future.

Connecting again with Nature

Connecting with nature is the best way for me to relax. On a holiday weekend while we were in the northern California countryside, enjoying its pristine natural woods, streams, hills and lakes our eyes fell on a sign board which led us to this un-believable experience. 

Taking off from Interstate - 5 onto a state highway and then finally on a couple of miles of dirt road, we land up in the mesmerizing backdrop.

After a refreshing and warm welcome with lavender infused lemonade, a warm summer day couldn't have asked anything more. The husband and wife duo started this farm with a passion to not only grow lavender in this beautiful backdrop but also provide an experience to visitor of hand picking their own lavender. This was just the best thing a child could have thought. 

We picked our own lavender from the field and Mount Shasta couldn't have looked better. Lavender farming is big in Europe, however there are not many on the west coast of this land. This hidden treasure is certainly one of the best maintained and managed.

If you ever are traveling to the northern california country, visit this farm in July-August

http://www.mtshastalavenderfarms.com/ 

Birthplace of Orange County

A lot of times we forget that, a hidden gem could be nestled a stone throw away from where you have lived for years. One sunny morning a short drive took us to the coastal city of San Juan Capistrano. An arterial freeway dissects this relatively young city carrying millions through its multiple lanes. Nestled between is the Mission. Built in the late 1700s, it is an interesting amalgamation of Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European architecture and culture. 

This place is also regarded as the "Birthplace of Orange County". Until the early 1800s, the Spanish occupied this mission. It was their outpost where they brought people from their homeland to form colonies. The Spanish also believed they could transform the Native people into good Spanish citizens.

However this was a daunting task and it wasn't easy for the Spaniards to communicate and convert them to Christianity. The native learnt a lot about new technological advances that was already developed in Europe.

After the big earthquake in southern california in 1800s and independence for Mexico, the mission lost it significance and declined. Today the ruins of the old stone church, Mission walls include the early adobe barracks, Friars' quarters, olive millstone, cemetery, aqueduct system, and gardens attract many visitor to the historic place.

Some of the artifacts and paintings in display takes you back in time when the south land was bursting with orange groves and winery. The gardens and fountains are captivating  and create  tranquil moments. Ringing bells create a wonderful vibration. It was certainly a place worth visiting and enjoy a day in the hustle and bustle of Southern California.

A quick glimpse of the mission through my eyes can be seen at

http://worldunfolded.smugmug.com/History/Mission-San-Juan-Capistrano/29510316_kMKzxf

Spring Sparks

Long winter months forces fauna and flora to hibernate or transition into a dull state. It makes life realize on planet earth that mother nature rules and can restrict what each one can potentially do.

As we enter the month of March, there is a restlessness in atmosphere and in all life form as they start a ever slow count down to welcome Spring. Green grass replaces dull and brown ground, dry and dead trees suddenly bloom up with flowers, colorful fruits attract birds and energy springs back in all of us.

A vibrant and colorful surrounding makes us step out from closed doors and spend hours enjoying the warmer weather observing nature bountiful diverse life.

During the last few short strolls around the neighborhood, my eyes could not refuse these wonderful sights. I wanted to share these captured moments with all my friends.

Wild can be wonderful and fascinating. Pictures speak a thousand words and I hope you all like these too

Colors can certainly stimulate our senses

Sometime we ignore the hidden treasures close to our proximity and hunt for the unknown. Here are a few more