Above the White Noise

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The term, 'white noise' was coined sometime between 1965 and 1970. It's used to describe the steady, unobtrusive sounds that mask other unwanted noises. White noise can be useful when it drones out an unwanted sound, but in the world of online information it seems that there's an awful lot of 'white noise' that makes it hard to hear what needs to be heard.

These days, you're a step behind if you don't have your own blog, twitter account, etc. And, while the plethora of information - from individuals, companies, organizations - you name it - is great, it can also be a little overwhelming. It creates a kind of online 'drone' that almost makes it hard to sort out the those ideas that are truly 'cutting edge' and 'fresh', from those that are, frankly, worthless. Don't get me wrong - I think that the internet has probably been more good than bad. It has been one of the greatest equalizers of our time.

And, I suspect (and I hope), that the 'next big thing' for the web will be tools that somehow make it easier to sift out quality content from online trash. I, for one, don't want the white noise of the internet to drone out the people, ideas, products and solutions that can make a positive difference.

This idea of 'hearing' and synthesizing is actually one of the key senses that Daniel Pink identifies as a high-concept aptitude that will be increasingly critical for personal and professional success. He distinguishes synthesizing from just analyzing, stating that with the former, you can see patterns and relationships. According to Pink, neuroscience research shows that this kind of simultaneous, symphonic thinking occurs in the right hemisphere of the brain. And, how do we develop this kind of thinking? Drawing. No joke. Pink's book is titled, 'A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future'. I like the title. I like the message. Why? Because I am definitely a 'right brained' person. But, drawing? I cannot say that I am an artist. A musician, maybe. I did take music lessons long ago. I'm not sure if that counts.

What I do know, is that Pink is right in his assertion that we need to collectively work on this notion of symphonic thinking - sifting out of the rubble the great ideas and then masterfully assembling them into meaningful and fresh new approaches.

With this new blog, I add my voice to the online chatter. I certainly hope that it doesn't simply add to the volume of 'white noise' but can, perhaps, rise above with a few new perspectives and ideas along the way.