OBSERVATION

Look, Listen, Learn

On this day, May 2, 1519, Leonardo da Vinci died. Da Vinci was one of the first to observe that people have many types of intelligences. He identified 25 intelligences; too bad America's educational system only has time to measure math and reading!
Sometimes I listen to professional athletes mumble their way through an interview and my first reaction is "Huh?" But then I remember that it takes special intelligences to transfer what is learned from film and scouting reports to productive skills on the field. Verbal skills may not be their strength but it doesn't make them a "dumb athlete."
One of his greatest contributions to thinking is the power of observation and keeping journals. I spent 20 years in an hospital environment and one of the first things you are impressed with is the doctor on rounds. As he or she works their way through too many patients, they make meticulous notes on their notecards or in their journals. They quickly review each case before entering the room, including the patient's name and key family members. Not only does this help them mange day-to-day patient progress but it also adds that personal touch that many medical studies indicate helps for faster recovery.
So what have you been writing in your journal? What observations have you made and noted? Da Vinci made notes, drawings and added anything that struck him at the time of the observation. His journals are priceless visions of a great thinker. By the way, an excellent book on da Vinci is "How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" by Michael J. Gelb.
Heisenberg, a physicist, created his "Principle of Observation." The principle basically states that the observation of an object will change its behavior. Hmmm . . . if you are a teacher or a manager maybe this is one of those keys to creating more positive outcomes. Don't ignore anyone; instead, always have the time to "observe" or basically just be there.
So, if you think you might like to make great sums of money or just leave a legacy of good thinking, start a journal and begin observing. Draw your pictures, make your comments and see what happens.

HINDSIGHT

How Useful is Looking Back?

Maybe you're like me and you feel that hindsight has limited use as a learning tool. When I think back to the days when Secretary of State Colin Powell was discussing the need to go to war with Iraq, it really seemed like it was necessary. Saddam appeared to be a very dangerous person with biological weapons in his possession. Now, a few years later, it looks like the information was wrong. It cost thousands of lives and divided the United States.
Can I learn anything from that bit of hindsight? Other than to practice more skepticism and don't believe government officials, there's not much to take away from being deceived. That's not exactly what I would like to focus on going forward!
Education has a long history of hindsight. Since 1965, the year that President Johnson added secondary and elementary education to his "Great Society" agenda, educators have been looking back to find answers. There are certainly many studies that indicate what a great job educators used to do. Again, not much to learn here. As investors are always told: past performance is not an indicator of future returns!
Despite billions of dollars, innovative programs, teacher training and standards, political interference (from both parties) and quite a lot of excellent thinking from quality people, America has an educational system that is failing. Colleges only graduate about 50% of incoming freshman. Almost 30% of high school seniors will drop out this year. Studies struggle to spin poor data, like illiteracy, in a positive light.
Is there an answer? Yes; first parents need to be involved beyond the 6th grade. As students move on to middle and high school, parents drop off the radar. Parents are the only people that can hold their children accountable for what they can accomplish in school. Teachers are tools for learning, not paid performers who keep kids entertained a few hours a day.
Second, students have to believe that there is a future and a reason to invest in learning. Minimum wage jobs are great for high school years but not for creating an independent adult. When manufacturing ruled work options, students knew that what they learned in high school would serve them well for many years. With jobs in a constant state of change, what do you expect students to do? College has never been an option for every student.
Third, communities need to push the long honored vocations of craftsmanship and farming. Farmers are not poor kids that can't do anything else. They have been and always will be a vital part of the economic system (does alternative fuels ring any bells?). People who learn plumbing, electricians, woodworking and truck drivers are going to be in great demand over the next 20 years. So there are alternatives.
If there is anything to learn from hindsight is that it is never as bad as it seems (or as wonderful either). What is needed are people to express hope and options.