Yikes, now that is a question: does conformity allow for GIS creativity?
But it is worth pondering. We encourage our children to think for themselves, to be creative, be individual thinkers. And yet we live in a world where one is expected to conform. In both action and thought.
Conform in action and thought?
In work we concern ourselves with pleasing bosses, not rocking the boat, remaining within organizational constraints. Ok, that is maybe an overstatement. But we are first and foremost concerned with conformity, not moving out of step. That is not all bad. But where does that leave creativity and individual thinking?
Orwell’s 1984 (actually in large part a love story), deals with enforced conformity. Big Brother.
Here I’m talking about inbuilt conformity. Institutional conformity. The Warren Buffets, Bill Gates and Edward Snowdens of this world, in their own ways, stepped away from this conformity.
Narrowing the scope. What has this to do with GIS? For fear of being repetitive, we live in exciting times. GIS is bursting from its niche. We are living through a time of big changes. A time of innovation and widespread adoption. A tipping point. Individually and collectively we need to throw off the constraints of conformity.
GIS Creativity
GIS companies are filled with brilliant people. Brilliant people limited by conformity. Give them a voice. Don’t tell them, let them tell you for once. These are unique times. All ideas and suggestions should be welcomed. Even those that are less comfortable: what or how you have always done business.
GIS is helping to transform organizations. We are watching amazing new applications of the technology. Sure we need some level of conformity, but don’t let it get in the way of creativity and innovation.
Agree, disagree? Let us know.
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