Nextmapping: Anticipate, Navigate and Create the Future of Work ISBN: 9781628656190, Motivational Press, an e-book by Cheryl Cran.
Following the usual disclaimer, the book opens with words about the author, a Preface and three individual parts. PART ONE contains 2 chapters, The first explaining that “The Future is NOW” and asks “Are You Ready?” for of the already initiated abundance of robots, drones, AI and the differently evolved thought processes of the new employee population with which you are going to have to deal. Chapter Two – “The Future, Predicting the Future – The Predict Way” describes where you must decide when and how these elements will affect your business. PART TWO contains 3 chapters examining “The Future of Work.” The first (Chapter Three) “The Mindset of a Navigator of The Future of Work” explains specifically what this will need to be. Chapter Four, “The Future is Shared” explains how the mindset of new employees will differ from previous ones necessitating an entirely new approach. Five, “Navigating Today’s Challenges – What’s Next” examines existing and future elements. PART THREE consists of chapters 6 and 7 that explain the absolute requirement for creation of a ‘Culture of Trust’ within the work force to face a very human future with Robots, AI and Automation. A final chapter emphasizes NextMapping to “Create Your Future of Work and Share the Future You Are Creating”. A list of “Resources” and a most helpful Index conclude the book.
Discussion: This is another in the rather large number of books that are appearing to aid business Owners, CEO’s, COO’s et.al. in facing the impact of so many factors. Automation has received the largest amount of attention to date because of the horrendous increase in data that already are a major and ever-increasing problem with several books dedicated to the need to expand Cloud and the possibilities of developing Quantum Computers. A few have focused upon the personal element and involvement of the personality aspects of the differing generations. This author has pulled together much of this latter material, seemingly somewhat more succinctly than others I have read, and explained not only the characteristic differences of the new entrants from those they are replacing in the work force, but their relationship to the fast-growing areas of Robots. AI and automation. As in most books written by frequent lecturers, there is considerable repetition that can be overlooked because of its use ‘to make a point’. All in all, a most worthy contribution to the requirement of increased knowledge for business to survive in this fast changing world. Which brings an interesting thought to mind for this reader. The constant surveillance that will be required by someone in some position of power to assure the trustworthiness of each component of the ‘teams’. With the new teams making the decisions, only one undedicated individual can bring about unwanted results bringing to mind the old adage – A camel is a horse designed by a committee.
5* For targeted audience and interesting material for all readers.