15 years ago today, “The Matrix” opened.  I had recently moved to Hong Kong, and to ease the cultural shock, I think I paid to see it in theatre five times.  I love that movie. Thinking about it makes me want to start wearing tight-fitting black latex suits.

I now know that humans actually would not work as batteries. 

Nevermind, the matrix contains three of my favorite ideas.  I know, I know, they aren’t original to The Matrix.  But, they are still great ideas, so I was inspired to write them down in tribute.

• I know kung fu
• There is no spoon
• Beat the machines

What I mean is:

The story became company legend.  Our CTO, let’s call him “Eric,” interrupted band practice to check a developer's status on an important project.  Getting a lukewarm response, Eric shot back, “Is band practice really your highest priority now?”  After he left, the group realized they had found their band name - “Is This My Highest Priority?” They went on to win the first battle of the bands with an electrifying rendition of “Seven Nation Army.”  Inc. magazine published a photo of them practicing above their article on the program.

In my experience, Eric’s skepticism is the norm.

Knowledge acquisition is mostly an afterthought at work.  Managers relegate learning programs to the province of HR, where executives have other priorities, like compliance or making the workplace equitable.  Some companies run, “Welcome to your new job” boot camps, but learning curves are most often viewed as a one-shot climb.  And most staff see themselves as educated - past tense.

How high should learning be on the priority list?