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David Grebow

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The Relentless Learner has become the most important person in the worldwide search for talent. How can we identify them?

Most relentless learners are independent learners. The take programs, attend events, go online and learn in as many ways as they can. And they learn because they are driven to know and know-how things are done. When that thing is related to their performance at work, they trump what is casually referred to as "talent" and leave static event-based degrees and certifications in the dust. Every great innovation and invention can be traced to a relentless learner, yet they are the least understood, rewarded and identified hidden asset an organization or field of study can have. How do we identify and support the relentless learners?

Topics: Gifted and Talented colaborative innovation new employee
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    Raja Choudhury

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    Jul 29 2012: The relentless learner is not a new phenomenon. The renaiscance was filled with men (unfortunately mostly men) who dabbled in many subjects and expanded their learning. If it was not for relentless learners we would not have the Royal Society or Science or Architecture or Design or any field of study as we know it today. The problem today is excessive specialization whereby one cannot be a gentle(wo)man scholar anymore and dabble in many subjects while being rewarded by regular grants and expeditions funding to go off and explore further. Now you have to be a part of an academic institution or corporation or non-profit org or a journalist/author/filmmaker. So if that is the reality then there lies the answer - become a member of a fraternity that still supports learning and research. If that does not work - finance your vision to learn on Kickstarter.com or Indigogo.com or do it part time at night while holding down a job until you get the recognition or good fortune or funding you deserve...
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      pat gilbert 50+

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      Jul 29 2012: Interesting point


      Where do you draw the line between being a generalist and a dilettante?

      The guys from the renaissance were geniuses what about the idea you have to do something 10,000 hours before you are really good at it?

      You draw a line between being co opted and integrity to yourself. But on the other hand PR is the way of the world and perhaps the most useful skill one will acquire? Think Tesla verse Edison.
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jul 30 2012: So, is this a theory that no one can be good at many things?
        Further does one remain a dilettante at 9.990 hours and instantly become an expert at 10,000?

        Couldn't it be that we should admit that we are not the expert in another person's developent and allow it to unfold as it should and as it can?
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          pat gilbert 50+

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          Jul 30 2012: Did you see the question mark at the end of the sentence?
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          Fritzie Reisner 100+

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          Jul 30 2012: As ten thousand hours is only a small portion of a lifetime, one can have a working mastery of multiple areas, particularly if they are related. What is key in such learning, whether in the context of a formal institution or fraternity of learners or independent, is that one can also spend 10,000 hours and not gain mastery. The key to effective learning is to assemble first versatile foundational skills in critical thinking, evaluation of evidence, and learning from application. One of the things one can learn as well is how to recognize the holes in ones understanding. Such skills and dispositions protect against relentlessly accumulating information while remaining a dilletante.
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          pat gilbert 50+

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          Jul 31 2012: You sir are a scholar.
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jul 30 2012: Of course, I did Pat. I know it as a technique too. I also took note of the direction of the questions.
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          pat gilbert 50+

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          Jul 30 2012: You are right I have been a bad monkey, clearly insidious questions.
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jul 30 2012: One of the major joys of a good education is that it provides some important universals such as = when a man tells you who he is - believe him.
        You think my questions are insideous?
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          pat gilbert 50+

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          Jul 31 2012: I don't care...

        • Qyv Qyv

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          Jul 31 2012: Good answer pat!

          Let's start with this...

          What is the opposite of Love?

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