work

We're in a world where exponential change is the new normal. Old economic structures are being challenged by newer ones and networked technologies are changing the way we can distribute resources. For a world with so limited resources, it's amazing how much idle-capacity we have at the moment. This does not only apply to natural resources such as minerals and forests, but also applies to human resources, such as knowledge, skills, and tangible resources such as tools and equipment. In his presentation, Edial Dekker dives deeper in the role of social layers connected to the 'social object' of distributed resources and the effects that it has on the network. The talk will touch the concept of a trusted network, the rise of the micro-entrepreneur and why it challenges us to rethink the way corporations and organizations are structured.

From Springwise:

"Escape the City's mission is to “liberate talented people from corporate jobs that don’t excite them,” in the site's own words. Toward that end, the company — which was started by two such former management consultants — has built an online platform that aims to connect ambitious and talented but unsatisfied people with “exciting career changes, innovative business start-ups and epic adventures.” Employers with approved life-changing opportunities can list them on the site, while Escape the City's more than 17,000 members can use it to connect, reflect and find their new path. A coaching program, meanwhile, provides support and guidance during the transition.

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This reminds me of Alexandre Bau and Birgitta Ralston's Transplant project that will be presented at Lift11. Transplant was born out of the frustration of working in the city, and the need for creatives to exist in an inspiring environment, in that case a remote Fjord in Norway.

Transplant is an arena for design competence located in the West coast of Norway in Dale Sunnfjord. It is a space for creative work, exchange and concrete development where arts meet industry. Transplant is used by businesses for seminars, meetings, workshops and suitable for intimate and grand occasions alike. Unique tools for design and concept development combined with the inspiring rural views available from the banks of the intimate and beautiful Dalsfjorden make it an ideal place for constructed and free thought toward individual or company goals.

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These projects show that the next big challenge for providers of "corporate jobs" will be to identify ways to keep the new generations interested and motivated, and to understand that money is not the only factor keeping employees happy (see Lee Bryant's recent interview on the social enterprise). While escape the city has a radical tone (get out of your job!), Transplant has a more balanced view (you could summarize it with "we give a breather to corporate workers"), both show that changes are needed inside large companies.

Companies like Google (with their famous 20% time rule) are leading the charge and try to prove that a corporate job are not necessarily a synonym for boredom and demotivation. With more or less success (see the recent brain drain), but it is great to see that new ideas are reaching this part of society who slowly but surely adapts to the new reality.

I was interviewed by Swisster for an article on the recent bans of Facebook by several Swiss organizations. My conclusion: people who love their job don't waste time on Facebook (and bans won't work because of, among other things, Facebook Mobile). The good news is that several organizations have more balanced answers, mostly in the private sector:

When Philip Morris International was contacted in July, it confirmed restricted access, but has since then revised its policy.

"PMI employees have been provided access to social media sites, including Facebook, strictly for private purposes only. When accessing such sites, employees must refrain from communicating any business or product related information and always ensure the use of such internet platforms is for private purposes," Iro Antoniadou in the press office explains.

Nestlé Suisse appears to more liberal and "does not restrict access to social networks, including Facebook. Their use is under the responsibility of our collaborators and we are fully confident that they use them with reason," Nestlé spokesman Philippe Oertlé specifies.

Nor have the cantons of Vaud or Geneva decided on a ban. Patrick Genoud, technology councillor at the Technology Observatory of Geneva canton defends the principle that social networks are a source of capital. [...]

"The hard truth," says Laurent Haug, founder and director of Lift Conference, the international gathering that explores the social implications of new technologies, "is that the only solution is to give people a job they like! That way they don't need to go on Facebook."

Link

Commercial break: The dynamics of communities will be one of the themes discussed at Lift11. Get your ticket at the early bird price of 590chf for three days!

How to be a socialistic-capitalist firm and turn your company into a "hedonistic company": the seven rules of working together professionally and still stay friends.

I am not after LIFT. After 2 years of having strong desire to go I thought I was going to be able to make it this year. My work around the conference changed dates, hence I am not there. Next year...

There are some great sessions and great people I am really bummed to be missing seeing again or meeting in person for the first time.

I transfered my ticket to Aral Balkan, or requested the transfer to be made and was told it was made, but he had yet to receive it as of this morning.

Have a great LIFT conference!