A New Question for an Emerging New World of Work


Hello Reader,

In a recent post by David Marquet, author of Turn the Ship Around, Marquet published the following post on LinkedIn:

This is the Ford assembly line in 1913. Workers are hired for their hands. Work is physical and visible, variability is an error, and we obey the clock. Now... Workers are hired for their heads, work is cognitive and invisible, variability is an ally and we need to control the clock.

Then he asked the following important question:

In what other ways has work changed since the industrial age?

We are entering a new phase of human history, and the emphasis is shifting again.

We are rapidly moving way beyond whatever we want to call the last few decades of work where people are hired for their heads and work is cognitive.

We need a new question for today's world. I believe a better question to ask is:

"In what ways has the world changed that now obsolete the idea that people are hired for their minds and work is cognitive?"

The rapid advancement of technology, especially AI and automation, is increasingly taking over physical and cognitive tasks.

In this context, what becomes most valuable is not merely the content of a person’s mind – their knowledge or intellectual abilities – but their capacity for presence, awareness, empathy, creativity, and adaptability.

In this emerging paradigm, the quality of one’s consciousness becomes paramount. People are increasingly valued for their ability to be present, to bring a depth of awareness and emotional intelligence into their interactions and endeavors.

It’s about how we can connect with others, respond to challenges, adapt to change, and innovate and create from a place of inner stillness and genuine inspiration rather than from the reactive patterns of the mind.

Furthermore, as the global challenges we face—climate change, social inequality, and mental health crises—become more complex and interconnected, solutions require a level of consciousness that transcends the analytical, divisive mind.

They require a holistic, integrative understanding and a deep sense of interconnection with all of life.

So, in this sense, we are moving towards a world where people are hired not just for their hands or heads but for their hearts and holistic, awakened selves.

In this new paradigm, work becomes less about what we do and more about how we are, the state of consciousness from which our actions arise.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments.

Better yet, most of the content for this article was taken directly from my comment on Marquet's post on LinkedIn.

Please post your comments there and let the world know what you think.

Let’s embark on a mission to continue to redefine ourselves and our roles as leaders in this ever-evolving world. When we do this together, our results and impact are greatly magnified.

Here's to our journey beyond boundaries and a better future.

— Bill

Bill Fox, Founder @ LeaderONE, SpaceB, and Forward Thinking Workplaces

P. S. At LeaderONE, we equip humans to thrive in this emerging new world and era of work. Learn more at Meet LeaderONE Platform.

Bill Fox

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