Thinking in Silos

Don't let your niche blind you to connectivity

“Silos build walls in people’s minds and tie knots in their hearts.” ― Pearl Zhu

After an engaging Twitter chat about the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in education, one of the chat leaders asked, "What do you think is the best way for us to move forward?”

It's a good question. Conversations about EQ in all areas of life need to happen between all kinds of people in all walks of life. As a species we've become so divided into niches and specialties that we're unable to see the synergies between us. We're unable and unwilling to work together to ensure that our kids learn the critical life skills that will enable them to grow into kind, competent adults who can address the complex problems they will inherit.

Most of these groups operate in silos. They each have a particular focus, agenda, and sets of complex rules that must be followed to engage with them. Each company has a particular focus and list of what they want in exchange for support. And don’t get me started about educational institutions. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve been told that my focus on teaching EQ isn’t wanted or needed in schools. One principal told me, “It’s my job to say no to people like you. Time spent working on ‘soft skills’ (what education calls EQ) takes time away from test prep.” And we all know how well test taking prepares kids for the real world, right?

What we need is a space and place where these issues can be discussed frankly, and participants can contribute their unique knowledge, perspectives, suggestions for collaboration, and skills. We need critical, outside-the-box thinkers and skilled negotiators who are able to see the connections between these siloed groups and help them agree on ways to support one another.

My Agenda
Yes, I have an agenda I want to bring to this meeting of the minds. I've been working on my approach to helping children between the ages of 8 and 12 develop both EQ and core literacy skills for 14 years. But unlike many of my siloed colleagues I've seen how opening my programs to the ideas, activities, and unique capabilities of other professionals - including the kids themselves - can make my programs and the results even better. I want to collaborate!

My current program, Song Flight, supports Ukrainian children displaced by war and helps all kids in the program grow into kind, competent adults who won’t start wars. IMHO, there's a reason the world is plagued by people like Putin. It’s time we asked ourselves why and took steps to put an end to their tyranny. I believe that Song Flight has one piece of the how-to-accomplish-this-goal puzzle.

Please take a moment to sign the petition I created to encourage human rights activists and SEL (social emotional learning) leaders to champion programs like Song Flight that develop EQ: https://chng.it/VChxjPrVpQ

Then, let's find a time to talk. I believe real, systemic change is possible if we can stop competing and start collaborating. I can be reached at info@CritterKin.com.