Of the Acquisition of Knowledge

One of the things I’ve been most excited about over the last twelve months has been the introduction (and in some cases re-introduction) of  people into my world. People that are inspirational, intelligent, and gifted in areas that I’m not entirely familiar with. People that love the exchange of ideas and love to have their ideas challenged and are not afraid to challenge mine.I have always loved learning. Discovering new ideas and methodologies. Finding out what I don’t know and then learning about those things.I’ve always kicked around the idea of doing some more formal study - it has been a loooong time since I graduated - but then never quite gotten around to it. Life sometimes gets in the way. That being said, I have now had more life handed to me so I am determined to not waste it.I’ve been introduced to the University of Auckland Business School’s Short, Sharp Events. These are small one-hour lectures - snapshots of more comprehensive one or two-day Short Courses that are put on by the Graduate School of Enterprise. I’ve also attended guest lectures by visiting speakers.The embers of learning are being fanned.Now it’s just a case of figuring out what knowledge I have, that I want to formalise in a Diploma or Degree. I’ve absorbed much in recent years. What is it that I’m good at, or am enthusiastic about? What weaknesses have I identified that I need to work on?What fun! In this process I need to be absolutely honest with myself, which fortunately is something I’m getting used to.Until I figure that out, I’m continuing my reading. Apart from all the Fiction I love, here’s a list of current reads on my iPad.• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. Pirsig• Business Plans that Work: A Guide For Small Business - Stephen Spinelli• The Next Decade: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going - George Friedman• What’s the Secret: To Providing a World-Class Customer Experience - John R. DiJulius• If You Build It Will They Come: Three Steps to Test and Validate Any Market Opportunity - Rob Adams• Thought Leaders: How to Capture, Package and Deliver your Ideas - Matt Church• Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant - W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgneand many more.The trick is to apply what I’m learning - and I’m starting to.Any suggestions you may have for Authors, Writings, Subjects will be welcomed!- Simon