The Next Next Common Sense
Learning outweighs knowing. In rapidly changing environments, the ability to learn continuously becomes more valuable than existing knowledge. Organizations that develop robust learning systems—ways to sense emerging patterns, experiment with potential responses, and rapidly incorporate new insights—adapt more effectively than those that rely on established expertise. This emphasis on learning requires humility, curiosity, and comfort with the provisional nature of knowledge. When a manufacturing company entered a new market, they initially struggled because they attempted to apply their existing expertise with- out adaptation. When they shifted to a learning orientation—system- atically gathering feedback, conducting small experiments, and rapidly incorporating insights—they not only succeeded in the new market but developed capabilities that enhanced their performance in established markets as well. Relationships matter more than transactions. Complex challenges rarely have purely technical solutions; they involve navigating relation- ships among diverse stakeholders with different perspectives and inter- ests. Organizations that invest in building trust, understanding diverse viewpoints, and developing collaborative capabilities solve complex prob- lems more effectively than those focused purely on technical or transac- tional approaches. A resource company learned this lesson when attempting to develop a new project that affected multiple stakeholders—local communities, environmental groups, government agencies, and investors. Their initial approach—focusing on technical solutions and regulatory compliance— generated significant resistance. When they shifted to a relationship-based approach that engaged stakeholders in understanding concerns and co-creating solutions, they not only reduced resistance but developed a more robust project that created broader value. These principles aren’t formulas to be applied mechanically but wis- dom to be adapted thoughtfully to your specific context. They offer guid- ance for developing your own next common sense appropriate to the complexity frontiers you face.
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