Almost a year ago today, I wrote a really similar piece. (April 5th). I wish more had changed since then. I didn't know the concept of Wirearchy back then but it's pretty much exactly what I was trying to say.

My article was called from "Human Resources to Human We-sources." Cheesy I know, but I was trying to convey that people aren't resources and that the world had changed. Here is an excerpt of how I positioned it with the We Are Smarter Than Me book publishers:

* “Resources” are things you consume and discard; “WE sources” are people’s knowledge, expertise, and wisdom which are renewable and improved through extension by others

* “Resources” are outside of you (them or “other”); “WE sources” are inclusive, not just of “I” and “you,” but “us” and “them” too

* “Resources” are finite and thus tied to economic models and management principles based on scarcity; “WE sources” are more abundant and thus part of an economic and management model predicated on abundance

* “Resources” are passive recipients of direction, rather than empowered motive forces within the company; “WE sources” are sources of direction, and are viewed as the principal actors in a WE company

* “Resources” are controlled and managed; “WE sources” are inspired, trusted and empowered

* “Resources” are discovered and recruited, often at great expense to the company; “WE sources” are found through connection, relationships, and conversation

* “Resources” are judged on productivity, efficiency, and cost; “WE sources” are judged on initiative, impact, inspiration, and innovation (the new social “I’s” to replace the old personal “I”)

Anyway, just thought you might like a like-minded angle on this stuff. I loved your comment that "learning is not something that is "done to you."" Great stuff as always.

Dave