Platform Thinking in Work and Life: How to See the Structure and Leverage It
The object of work is no longer just production (though it could be). The object of work isn’t just prestige (though it could be, also). And the object of work isn’t just money (though it’s very important). Rather the object of work is what production, prestige, and money can do within the structure.
And the structure is a platform.
Work, Life, and the Platform Mindset
Platforms are everywhere. Yet I suspect people misunderstand them. People say, “This is my platform,” or “I’m growing a platform.” But what’s missing is the idea that most platforms aren’t an individual’s object (with few exceptions). Rather, platforms are structures leveraging individuals and production as objects. This is an important distinction.
For example, your city is a platform. Your country is a platform. Instagram, Google, Uber, Reddit, Amazon, and the internet are all platforms. And what makes them platforms are three things: (1) suppliers (producers), (2) demanders (consumers), AND — most importantly — (3) governance (facilitators). Governance, most of all, is the closest thing to the platform itself. It’s “the system that brings suppliers and demanders together.”
Why this matters: when you misunderstand platforms, you’re liable to be subjected to them. The bad news: we’re all objectified by our platforms. The good news: when you see platforms, you can reposition yourself to leverage them accordingly.
Step one: where are you on a platform? The answer might be much bigger than you expect. Step two: how can you better reposition yourself on your platforms for better results?
The world is a multitude of platforms. Consider then reposition accordingly.
A book that changed my life: The Most Beautiful Book in the World by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt
In the title story from this collection, a group of women imprisoned in a Soviet gulag stumble upon a contraband, blank notebook. Given the opportunity to reach their families, the prisoners divide the notebook, page by page. Each takes one page to write a letter of their daughters.
I won’t ruin the twist. Let’s just say that their style is as beautiful as their substance.
If you could only write one last page to your child, what would you say? That’s the question at the heart of The Most Beautiful Book in the World.
A supplement I take daily: Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper Extract 1500mg
A supplement with several potential health benefits, I personally take turmeric daily for my join health. Plus, it may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting heart, brain, and immune health, also. Though many options are available, I found Bio Schwartz Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper to have less added unnecessary stuff. Of course and always, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine.
