Episode 26 - A New Paradigm to Rebuild America's Economy

What is a paradigm? In simple terms, it is the way we something or a pattern. Consider the paradigm most Americans have about work. What is their frame of reference? Arthur Brooks, a PhD economist and the President of the American Enterprise Institute describes two very different views or paradigms of work in his new book, The Conservative Heart; one as a punishment and the other as a blessing.

Imagine the difference this fundamental paradigm creates in the mind and in the marketplace. If you are going to help solve America's mega-economic challenge with 94 Million people out of the workforce, which paradigm will serve our citizens the best? Well it depends on how you look at work. Do you want your fellow Americans to be blessed or punished? Now consider all the spin-off challenges in these two radically different perspectives. 

What must America do to create a WIN - WIN - WIN strategy to solve our economic challenges? Suppose we create a new paradigm that taps into the raw horsepower of new ideas, creative teamwork and entrepreneurial innovation. There is enormous leverage when we combine the skills of experience, the thrill of a start-up and the imagination of youth. The real question is not whether we can rebuild the economy, but rather, do we want to?