Common sense: Between certificate and experience

Common sense is not common! (Voltaire – Francois-Marie Arouet) is a phrase that resonates with the realities of today. Indeed, common sense, an uncommon asset, faces possible extinction in a future already here. In our brand new digital capacity of “Internet Everything” humans have sold what remains of their liberty to reason and sense of responsibility to the digital. A few weeks ago, we were on radio to discuss the topic, “Common sense, your natural asset” and the feedback confirm that a larger percentage of the populace have a common sense deficit.

Common sense is a virtue that is never resident with the most brilliant or the erudite. Common sense seems to be the exclusive preserve of those who choose the pious part of learning with all five senses and the sixth sense which is alien to many. Common sense is not academics or intellect, but a practical, flexible and sometimes unconventional application of knowledge. It is how we develop and manage our thought process, beliefs and attitude as situation arises in the real world. Common sense is a problem solving ability that resolves real issues outside the drama of theories, specialize knowledge or known standard etched in marble of facts and the nuances of science or arts. You may view it as native intelligence or little informal bushels of learning that only an observant and teachable person can exude. Common sense is the thin line that connects knowing and doing with a result oriented disposition.

So why do some smart people appear to lack common sense? There is a huge difference between Book knowledge and life/survival skills or what some call being street-wise or street-smart. When you are saddled with several complex knowledge, overlapping analysis and logical reasoning, creativity can be hampered. Book smart is intellectual and analytical knowledge which can lead to analysis paralysis, but with common sense, learning is done by experience of what works, and what is assumed to work. Common sense lacks borders and confines because individuals have more laxity to express their creativity from several angles that may be considered “foolish”.

Some Nigerian graduates are a workforce unfit for employment because the common virtues that sets champions apart are often lacking. What common sense factors would have made them more attractive to recruiters or employers? Many qualified electrical engineers can only draw the circuit board on paper with little or no penchant for the discipline entails in the real world. Talk about a qualified chef whose menu are only tried and tested on paper. Some who are lucky to have the book knowledge and its application get the Job but are soon sent away because they lack the soft skills required to keep the Job; attitude is zero. Common sense requires sound judgement, devoid of emotional discolouration and impulsive reaction. Common sense includes poise, panache, good manners, excellent values and high moral standards.

Everyone needs a bit of Common Sense: Learning never ends. The best source of common sense is learning from our failures. The senses become common when we do not keep making the same mistakes every day.
Emotional Intelligence -Slow Down….Take a second look: People who exhibit common sense are usually calmer. Most errors of judgment take its roots from impulsiveness and the unreasonable speed of taking decision; the “first-to-finish syndrome”. If you learn to bite your tongue and think twice, you would have saved yourself the embarrassment of saying things which you later may not be able to account for. When you are emotionally intelligent, you will be self disciplined. Your risk-taking ability may double, but your ability to discern what to do without an unfounded exuberance or enthusiasm will also triple.

Be an Apprentice Today! School will help you to know while Apprenticeship, Mentorship or Volunteering will give you invaluable hands-on experience of what to do because employers are looking for people who can do. A few days ago, I saw a secondary school student on internship with a hospital for a few weeks. She wanted to study medicine; hence the decision of the school to attach her with a hospital where she can start having a first-hand experience of what life is like in medical centers. This is beyond the biology or anatomy she will later have to learn. If there is an emergency before she finishes her internship, she would have learnt on-the-spot-thinking, because in real life, sequences and prescribed orders are often jettisoned in the face of crisis. Paper qualifications or Certificates may get you the Job, but your ability to apply yourself proactively will help you keep it. It’s common sense for you to know the extra’s required of you to do the Job.

Learn from animals and your environment: A few days ago, I watched on NatGeo Wild a pack of wild dogs that chased and wounded a hyena that wanted to have their puppies for dinner. I learnt a priceless lesson about the dangers of working in silos and the invaluable advantage of teamwork. You must be present wherever you are. Learn to take in your environment consciously because many common sense lessons are informal knowledge dissipated unintentionally as we go about our everyday life.

Remember, strive not for perfection, but be genuine in your outlook and effort. Cheers!!