Are musicians our best employees? | Diana Tolmie | TEDxQUT

TL;DR

Musicians possess transferable skills essential for the future job market, including analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and resilience.

Transcript

[Applause] about 10 months ago I had a very bad accident that landed me in emergency with a broken neck and a small piece of bone deciding whether to splice my spinal cord the neurosurgeon asked me what do you do for living and I said I'm a woodwind doubler what's that someone who performs flutes clarinets and saxophones in the pit of professional ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Musicians face career uncertainties and societal undervaluation, prompting a reevaluation of their transferable skills.
• 🤔 Research reveals that musicians excel in analytical thinking, creativity, and communication, essential for future job market demands.
• 🌐 Musicians' skills, including resilience and adaptability, can contribute to innovative solutions for complex global challenges.
• 😫 Society can benefit from tapping into musicians' diverse skill set beyond the traditional music industry.
• ❓ Musicians' passion for their craft and ability to overcome challenges demonstrate valuable attributes like flexibility and leadership.
• ♻️ The future workforce can learn from musicians' dedication, creativity, and resilience in navigating uncertain and dynamic environments.
• ❓ Embracing musicians' diverse skills can reshape societal perceptions and highlight their essential contributions to various sectors.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the pandemic impact musicians' careers and lead to a reevaluation of their skills?

The pandemic forced many musicians to consider their transferable skills and explore alternative career opportunities due to the decimation of the live music industry.

Q: What unique skills do musicians possess that make them valuable in various professional fields?

Musicians excel in analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and resilience, honed through years of musical training and performance experience.

Q: How can musicians' skills benefit the broader workforce in the context of future job demands?

The World Economic Forum highlights analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and leadership as crucial skills for the future, all of which musicians possess and can contribute to diverse industries.

Q: How can society better appreciate and utilize the skills of musicians outside of the traditional music industry?

By recognizing and valuing musicians' transferable skills beyond their artistry, society can tap into a rich resource of adaptable, creative, and resilient individuals to address future challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Musicians face career uncertainties during the pandemic, prompting exploration of their transferable skills.

• Research study reveals musicians excel in analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and resilience, essential for future job demands.

• Embracing musicians' diverse skills could reshape the perception of their societal value and contribution.