The World Is Flat!

The world has changed while we were sleeping. The world became flat again, figuratively speaking. The book called "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman is a must read on my list. The latest edition has been published earlier this year. It talks about a triple convergence which in 2000 flattened the world and now enables knowledge workers from every corner of the globe to participate, collaborate and compete via a single platform - the Internet. For example it enabled two young geeks to build a browser which got downloaded 10 million times within one month and eat into Microsoft's share in the browser market. Or it now enables workers in India, China and many more places to do creative work which not even ten years ago was believed it can only be done in North America or Europe.

Friedman makes a very compelling argument and it ties together many individual stories and reports we have seen in the media. Sure, I don't buy into all aspects but the bigger argument - hell, yes it makes so much sense. And it provides some context which allows me to see and understand things going on around me so much better. He also ties this into some of today's geopolitical events going on and into the obvious struggle of American-jobs-being-lost. And it makes a strong case that we need to rebuild some of our educational and science strengths - and you can insert almost any European or North American country here. The very same strength which allowed us to prosper. It also makes a strong argument that 9/11 has hidden a much more important problem from us. Immigration of talent, strengthening the educational system and positive imagination. The last five years were so much about FUD that we are now much more obsessed with fear and what can happen to us instead of concentrating on strengthening and utilizing our knowledge and imagination.

This book certainly has changed my context and outlook. And there are also many aspects which can be applied to corporations. The strongest one is to work horizontally instead of vertically. We need vertical structures for HR reasons, etc. But we need to work around projects and communities to get our day-to-day work done and add real value to your business.

I can only say one thing. Go and buy this book, read it and then think about it. This is a must read for all senior managers on my list!