Buried in Algorithms, Missing the Essentials
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Buried in Algorithms, Missing the Essentials

Yesterday, I went for a day-long off-roading group adventure with my teenage sons. A convoy of modern SUVs kitted out with advanced tech. As we gathered for the pre-trip briefing, something struck me. While most participants knew how to use the fancy navigation systems and ADAS features, when asked about the basics – like explaining 4H and 4L, understanding differentials, or even knowing the right tire pressure for different terrains and why – a lot of participants came up with vague understanding.

I felt, we are so busy piling on the technological "toppings" that we're forgetting the actual "cake"? We may be losing touch with the fundamental principles that make things work around us. It also got me thinking about how often I see this happening in other areas of life and work.

From Hands-On to Hands-Off: Remembering the "Feel" of Things

Early in my career, there was a real emphasis (as part of the professional culture, irrespective of individual inclinations) on getting one’s hands dirty, on understanding the "why" behind the "what." I remember taking pride in understanding the analytical inputs of a subsurface model, appreciating how uncertainties of each input could impact the outcome. While visiting oil production facilities we learned to "feel" the facility, understanding the flow of oil and gas through sound, smell, and even touch. Observe each activity physically and deliver our part with utmost honesty. As a result, we were able to establish a connection to the work that went beyond just fast running algorithms.

But, fast forward twenty years, and it felt to me, the mindset and the culture has shifted. We have same brilliant minds joining the workforce (maybe smarter), but the focus has shifted to slick presentations, sophisticated algorithms, faster turnaround times, and overwhelming amounts of information to be processed in the shortest possible time. In the end, everyone seems lost in the data and more data, and faster algorithms but unclear on what truly matters.

Investing in Confusion? The Stock Market Maze

Last few years, I have delved into understanding the financial market, specially wrt fundamental and technical analysis. I see a similar trend. There's a never-ending stream of indicators, theories, algorithms, and software promising to unlock the secrets to wealth. Yet, I feel that fewer people truly grasp the power of a few simple, time-tested indicators like RSI, Heiken Ashi candles, and MACD, or the ability to visually interpret a company’s fundamentals through its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. In my opinion, what really matters are getting drowned out by the noise of fast algorithms and too many of them.

 

Corporate Governance: The Human Element Missing from the Equation

Even at corporate governance conferences, that I attended over the last few years, I've noticed a similar pattern. We're bombarded with data, information, and PowerPoint presentations. Yet, the basic nuances of how decisions are really made, the biases that play out in people's minds, and the ability to "read" situations that algorithms miss – those are the things that truly make a difference. And they're often overlooked or understood with a simplistic worldview, which is rarely the case.

The Allure of Technology (and a Word of Caution)

I love technology and always believe that technology have the power to solve our greatest challenges and always been excited about its potential. But I also believe there is more to technology than faster data processing algorithms. General population is  reaching a point where the relentless pursuit of data processing and software is hindering our ability to truly understand the world around us.

We can't afford to outsource our understanding of the physical world and our critical thinking to machines. We need to maintain our ability to connect with the physical world around us that has got enough technology beyond data processing, connect with each other to understand the nuances of human interaction, and to appreciate the fundamental principles that underpin everything we do.

#Technology #Fundamentals #Innovation #CriticalThinking #Leadership #Business #CareerDevelopment #Skills #FutureofWork #HumanSkills

 

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