Working Wisdom

The subject of adult learning as it relates to a job situation or employer situation is a very important subject to dissect. Aubrey and Cohen in their book, "Working Wisdom" have conducted an excellent analysis of adult education and its impact on an organization. Their analysis began with helping readers to understand how learning has changed over time for adults. Findings of the initial analysis determined that individuals got involved in educational opportunities for three reasons: survival in the workplace, developing wisdom to pass on to others, and finally, using the career as a means for personal development. Learning for survival, the renewal of wisdom, and the reinvention of careers are three facets of a revolution sweeping the workplace. Yet in most organizations, even as the need for learning grows, valuable learning resources are left fallow. (Aubrey and Cohen, p. 34) Secondly, the analysis focused on how organizations could impart wisdom on and provide learning opportunities for employees through the use of: accompanying, sowing, catalyzing, showing and harvesting. Finally Aubrey and Cohen focused their attention on implementing their theories in learning organizations through: leadership, managers, networks, technology, policy and partnerships. Some learning theories contain concepts which are difficult to understand. In Aubrey and Cohen's book the authors spent much time in developing their thoughts, sharing them logically with readers and based much of their thought on the work of other theorists and researchers in adult learning. Many business and organizations involved with adult learning were documented and created credibility with the theories and practices introduced. When theories are put into practice, unquestionable evidence is created for the readers and users of the practices included in the book. The most valuable portion of the book was the second portion of the analysis of how organizations impart wisdom on and provide learning opportunities for employees through the use of: accompanying, sowing, catalyzing, showing and harvesting. The value comes from the ability of the reader to ingest the information and use it right away in a learning organization or place of employment. The concepts introduced are easy to read, easy to follow and easy to implement. Readers are not bogged down with unnecessary information or too much theory and not enough practicality. The use of recognizable company names such as Swissotel, Motorola and Xerox enable readers to gain more credibility as opposed to the learning practices being used in "no name" companies all around the world. The more readers can relate to the application of the practice, the more likely they will be to adopt the practices suggested. Another positive spin of this book is the fact that the authors used straight-forward wording and no nonsense application of practices and theories introduced. As mentioned before, readers can easily implement the

This book is especially helpful for managers, with training employees to use knowledge effectively in group projects, team building and project management. Within intercultural work teams the book is indispensable to assist all members in moving forward with goals, projects and targets. Hands-on techniques are highlighted and several case studies show proof. Easy to read and glean the salient facts. Companion book for Individual Human Development is available in French, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese, called Enterprise of Self, also by Bob Aubrey. Timely stuff to get the team going!!