Digital Aboriginal by Mikela Tarlow & Philip Tarlow

Author:Mikela Tarlow & Philip Tarlow [TARLOW, MIKELA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BUS020000
ISBN: 9780759527652
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2002-04-24T00:00:00+00:00

POWERSHIFT

Much of modern life rests on a separation not only from each other, but also from the sources of our survival. Few know which river brings water to their taps. Most can’t identify the chain of hands that will bear food to their tables. Yet, we live under the incredible illusion that we are self-sufficient.

We have even come to believe it is a sign of weakness to need someone else in order to accomplish our goals. The greater our self-reliance, the freer we feel. Our role models are those who can do anything they want without challenge or permission. This, we are taught, is maximum power.

And it is upon these very values that most businesses are built. We assume we can survive without knowing our neighboring entrepreneurs. Departments are separate; there is little need to know what the other is doing. Dominance is rewarded. Secrets are expected. Individual accomplishment is all that counts. We may work with others along the way, but for the most part, relationships stay formal and fleeting. We spend more than a third of our lives at work, yet the years go by, side by side with our peers, and deep roots are rarely forged.

This illusion of separation permeates how information is exchanged, money is shared and the future is charted. A powerful business person annihilates the competition, dominates his peers and stands out as a commanding presence. Dozens of handy guides can help you become the Genghis Khan or General Patton of your very own business domain. Conquer and thrive. Wield your way to unlimited power. Claim what is rightfully yours. These maxims have worked for thousands of years and continue to bring ample rewards. It is hard to believe there could be any chink in such an invincible armor.

But warrior cultures always have their Achilles’ heels. The city of Troy was impenetrable, the safest in all of ancient Greece. Its people rested easy knowing that no invader could ever make it past its mighty, towering walls.

Then, one morning, a large, beautiful painted horse appeared at Troy’s gates. The people were suspicious at first; but a stranger led them to believe that by taking this horse inside their walls they would curry favor with the Goddess Athena.

Always eager to get on the good side of a powerful goddess, they wheeled this fine horse behind their walls. Everyone admired its beauty. It certainly added variety to their ordinary days. Filled with fun and bright chatter, the citizens of Troy went to sleep that night, satisfied and exhausted by their eventful experience.

When darkness fell, a trap door opened in the belly of the horse and a small band of soldiers climbed out. These intruders opened the gates from within and allowed their army to enter, quickly conquering the unsuspecting residents of Troy.

This is exactly the predicament many now face. We have innocently hooked our lives to the big, beautiful Web, hoping to curry favor with the Gods of Speed and Nimbleness. We offer our wandering teams the

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