Integral Should Be More Like Apple

11.29.2011 By
Integral should be more like Apple

Integralists that have been following the blogosphere are noticing a growing current of conversations on the theme, or question, of "Why isn't Integral more popular?"  There are many variations on the theme, including "Why isn't Integral more relevant?" and "What does Integral need to do to make more of a difference in the world?" Many of my friends and colleagues have weighed in on this important question in recent weeks. Jason Digges just published a thoughtful, nuanced article on this very question in Beams and Struts. He suggests, "In short we need to take personal responsibility for formulating integral philosophy in a way that exemplifies simplicity beyond complexity." I couldn't agree more. In fact, simplicity beyond complexity is a theme I wrote about in my recently published online Integral Leadership Manifesto. Robb Smith has suggested some possible reasons why Integral isn't more popular in the Facebook discussion group Integral Institute Global Design. Not entirely … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Integral Movement, Integral Theory and Methodology, Leadership, Technology Tagged With: , , , , ,

Technology Funding: Who is Making It Too Risky?

02.07.2011 By
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Beginning a bold conversation on technology is a lot like jumping into an empty swimming pool. It’s easier to imagine the previously warm blue waters of the great age of technological advance, than face the likelihood of where the facts are now likely to land you.  That’s because today’s technology dialogues are often taxing and pessimistic as it relates to the possibilities for capitalization or marketplace realization.  That is, unless you belong to the idealistic or struck-by-luck camp that haven’t walked the hard streets of New York these days looking for money in vain. For those of you who have seen the pond cement quickly approaching on your new technology venture, or have hit the bottom and already cracked your heads, I’d like to start offering some ideas about how the high dive can still be exciting and fulfilling.  Just expect to spend more time in the air wondering about the landing, as our economic system continues to traverse incredibly destabilizing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Healthcare, Home, Innovation, Technology

The Future of Elite Education is Online

08.15.2010 By
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In Fast Company, Anya Kamenetz writes, "...if you were starting a top university today, what would it look like? You would start by gathering the very best minds from around the world, from every discipline. Since we're living in an age of abundant, not scarce, information, you'd curate the lectures carefully, with a focus on the new and original, rather than offer a course on every possible topic. You'd create a sustainable economic model by focusing on technological rather than physical infrastructure, and by getting people of means to pay for a specialized experience. You'd also construct a robust network so people could access resources whenever and from wherever they like, and you'd give them the tools to collaborate beyond the lecture hall. Why not fulfill the university's millennium-old mission by sharing ideas as freely and as widely as possible? If you did all that, well, you'd have TED." How TED is Becoming the Future of Education TED.com … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, Technology Tagged With: ,

The Problem With Polarizing Communication

08.09.2010 By
net-neutrality

Tony Bradley’s article in PC World about the “net neutrality” debate is a good illustration of a more integral perspective on a polarizing issue. I was struck that his statements about open, authentic communication vs. polarizing name calling is relevant to both integral leadership (in organizations) and integral politics. In this case, the topic is the highly political debate (and difficult issue) about how much government should be involved in policing the Internet. Tony explains that recently the FCC called off attempts to negotiate a compromise with major Internet industry players after reports that Google and Verizon were conducting secret meetings on the side. He advocates that the FCC should execute its duties to oversee the industry without apologizing or asking permission. “Negotiation and compromise are cornerstones of the political process, but they should be conducted openly and involve all parties. The problem with the FCC efforts was that the closed-door … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Current Events, Leadership, Politics, Technology Tagged With: , , , ,

Trillions of Interconnected Computers

04.17.2010 By
layered complexity video image

In a few years, there will be trillions of computers interconnecting us. Rather than us having information in a computer, a network of trillions of computers will have us swimming in its information! Nature has handled the problem of layered complexity. How will we? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: ,