The book 'The VUCA Learner' emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world where traditional education and skills quickly become obsolete. It provides a framework for developing life skills like critical thinking and networking, which are essential for navigating future job markets influenced by automation and digitalization. The authors advocate for informal learning environments and adaptability, using historical examples to illustrate the value of lifelong learning and agility in professional development.

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BOOK
SUMMARY
Acontinuousquest
I
n today’s world, change is the only
constant. Disruptive forces such as
globalisation, automation, digitalisation,
big data, IoT, and theWorldWide
Web are shaping our present and
future.We live in a world where a lot
of science fiction is turning factual.
In thisVUCA environment, education, skills,
and experience have an extremely short
life, whether you are a CEO or a trainee, an
entrepreneur, or a professional, or managing
a family business.Automation andAI will
decimate many jobs which are routine and
repeatable. However, everything that cannot be
digitised or automated will become extremely
useful.There is only one space left to put your
efforts and energies into—you.To manage
a successful career is to become a dynamic
learner, learning continuously throughout
your life, and responding to, perhaps, the most
transformational changes that are taking place in
human history.
The VUCA Learner is a timely book for those
who are concerned about their future. It
provides a framework for using a wide variety
of available resources, which can be tapped to
learn a diverse set of skills. However, as we
continue to learn, we should not only keep
our eyes focused on what is ahead, but also
occasionally look sideways, as opportunities
can emerge from any direction. Many of the
jobs for the future are not yet visible.This
book provides an easy-to-use self-analysis
tool to look inside ourselves and identify our
shortcomings. Success comes to those who
relentlessly looking for opportunities in areas,
which others perceive as threat. Even where the
future looks confusing, the authors suggest that
we hone in on several life skills such as critical
thinking, networking, communication, curiosity,
and innovation, which can be deployed in all
spheres.These are not taught but can be learnt.
Several real-world examples from India clarify
concepts such as lateral shifts.
Research has shown that 80 per cent of our
learning comes from informal sources and
only 20 per cent is from formal education
and training.This is well-known to successful
software developers who know that manuals
provide only a very basic knowledge and
in actuality it helps to maintain an effective
network of developers to supplement and
Lifelong learning is the only way to stay relevant.
LEN D’COSTA, SALTLABS
THE VUCA
LEARNER:
FUTURE-PROOF
YOUR RELEVANCE
Author:
Suhayl Abidi and
Manoj Joshi
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
India Pvt Ltd
Pages:
272

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enhance their skills and competency. Since
informal sources of learning are invisible
and untested, these have remained largely
unexplored by leaders to develop their people.
One example quoted is setting up communities
of practices where employees come together to
build and share mission-critical knowledge, in
an atmosphere free from stifling hierarchy.
An interesting chapter in the book is the
example of an uneducated Genghis Khan, who
comes out as a shining example of a resilient,
agile, and adaptable learner who relied on
lifelong learning to conquer and rule one of
the largest empires in history. He learnt from
every event and person, and largely from those
he conquered.
Although not specifically mentioned, the book
offers several clues on how to reform India’s
education system which should be agile enough
to respond to changing job requirements.The
rote system of learning should be replaced with
learning through enquiry and discovery.
This book is relevant for people at any
stage of their career or life, including post-
retirement, because once one stops learning,
one becomes irrelevant.
BOOK
SUMMARY
Len D’Costa
is co-founder,
Saltlabs and
former President
(HR and Corp Div),
Piramal Group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR