What is this thing?
This blog is in response to the recent Doncaster Education and Skills Conference 2024 – the underling theme being one of ‘Education for Human Flourishing’!
So I guess we better start there
Definition: Education for human flourishing cultivates individuals’ intellectual, emotional, and ethical capacities, empowering them to lead meaningful lives and contribute positively to society.
Say what?
In Doncaster, the concept of ‘education for human flourishing’ perhaps may be expressed in a way that resonates with local language – like this…
“Helping thi mates and thi community learn and grow, so wi can all live a goodun and look after each other and us place”
Both the initial definition and this phrase reflect the same intention – but perhaps the latter speaks in a more relatable way to the community-oriented spirit of Doncaster, emphasising personal development alongside collective well-being. It underscores the importance of education in enhancing individual lives and strengthening communal bonds, aligning with the city’s aspiration to be a ‘city of learning’ where everyone (and our environment) thrives together.
Being in tension
Can you really be ‘who’ you want to be? Can you really be ‘how’ you want to be? And ‘do’ just what you desire to do? I am often found intention with this aspiration. As being ‘fully me’ may come at the expense of you, others and my environment. So perhaps you can’t and that may need to be ok!
In pursuit of becoming a ‘city of learning’ and fostering human flourishing, individuals will find themselves navigating the complex interplay between personal aspirations, community responsibilities, employer expectations, and environmental obligations. This dynamic landscape requires a delicate balance to ensure that personal growth aligns harmoniously with the broader needs of society and the environment. I’ve tried to articulate this tension below
1: The ‘Will to Power’: Personal Aspirations
At the heart of human motivation lies the desire to shape one’s destiny, pursue passions, and achieve personal goals. This intrinsic drive propels individuals toward self-actualisation and personal fulfilment. However, the pursuit of personal ambitions can sometimes conflict with external expectations, leading to internal tensions and ethical dilemmas.
2: Community Needs: Family and Society
Individuals are integral parts of various communities, from immediate families to broader societal structures. These communities often have expectations and needs that may not always align with personal goals. For instance, family obligations might require individuals to prioritise caregiving over career advancement, while societal norms may impose roles that conflict with personal aspirations. Navigating these expectations requires a nuanced approach to personal desires and communal responsibilities.
3: Employer Expectations: Professional Obligations
In the professional realm, employers have specific expectations regarding performance, commitment, and conduct. These expectations can sometimes clash with personal values or external responsibilities, such as family commitments or environmental concerns. For example, a job requiring extensive travel may conflict with an individual’s environmental values or family obligations. Addressing these conflicts necessitates open communication and, where possible, organisational and personal flexibility to accommodate competing needs.
4: Environmental Responsibilities: Local and Global
The growing awareness of environmental issues places additional responsibilities on individuals to adopt sustainable practices. However, these environmental obligations can sometimes conflict with personal or professional goals. For instance, pursuing a career opportunity in a distant location may increase one’s carbon footprint, conflicting with personal environmental commitments. Balancing these responsibilities requires conscious decision-making and, often, compromises to align personal actions with environmental values.
So let’s stop saying ‘you can be what, who and how you want to be’, as this fails to acknowledge the negative impact a ‘will to power’ may have on those around you, the working world and your environment.
Lets more compassionately say, you can follow your dreams of self-actualisation but not at the expense of others… rather in service of others, your environment and community.
Or in ‘Yorkshire’ framing, this is about
“Strivin’ to be thi best tha can, while helpin’ others, lookin’ after t’environment, and supportin’ t’community.”
How might we get there
Balancing these four dimensions requires a multifaceted approach:
- Self-Reflection: Regularly assess personal values and goals to ensure they align with actions and decisions.
- Open Communication: Engage in transparent dialogues with family, employers, and community members to negotiate expectations and find common ground.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Be willing to adjust personal goals and practices in response to changing circumstances and external demands.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace lifelong learning to develop skills and knowledge that facilitate better decision-making and adaptability.
Or as we might say round ere:
“Take a good look at thisen, have a natter, be ready to muck in and keep learnin”
By keeping these simple steps in mind, we can work towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
Doncaster’s Commitment to Human Flourishing
Doncaster’s vision as a ‘city of learning’ embodies a commitment to fostering an environment where individuals can thrive while contributing positively to the community and environment. The city’s Education & Skills 2030 Strategy aims to provide equitable and inclusive lifelong learning opportunities, empowering residents to fulfil their aspirations and thrive in life and work. Initiatives like the Talent and Innovation Ecosystem (TIE)integrate business innovation with talent development, promoting collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, and community organisations to create diverse learning opportunities across all ages.
The team leading this work have come along way, and we/they have a long way to go. To shift mindsets… ones that may not care about ‘the local economy’ but deeply care about ‘their personal economy’. Their bank balance, their lived experience, their challenges… as these are all too often what drives our decision making. This may be more about survival than thriving at the cost of others. There’s over 300,000 residents of Doncaster that we need to get on board. To care about self, others and their world!
In closing
By aligning personal aspirations with community, employer, and environmental needs, we can strive to create a more harmonious environment where human flourishing is not only an individual pursuit but a collective achievement. Through continuous learning and collaboration, the city will better navigate the complexities of these intersecting dimensions, fostering a resilient and thriving community. Roll on 2025.
Fancy a natter about this and more – get in touch, click the link or e mail kurt@bemorelnd.co.uk
