Logical, linear and sequential “left brain” thinking that powered the business world for years remains necessary — but its importance is being surpassed by “right brain” artistic and conceptual abilities, author Dan Pink said Wednesday at Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.

Pink, a former speechwriter for former Vice President Al Gore and author of “A Whole New Mind,” spoke about how creativity and the ability to empathize have become more important in modern economies, where outsourcing and automation are making some traditional jobs obsolete in the U.S.
The value of creativity and design is apparent by the amount of goods people buy. Pink said there are more automobiles in the U.S. than licensed drivers. Some people own multiple vehicles out of want — not need — because they are visually pleasing.  “In a world of abundance, aesthetics are becoming increasingly important,” Pink said. 

Jobs involving creativity are moving to the forefront, because they are more difficult to outsource or replace with software, he added.
Where lawyers and accountants once handled divorces, wills and taxes, computer software can take care of routine needs and reduce reliance on professionals.

Many jobs that require scripts, financial analysis or answering questions are being shipped to India because of lower labor costs, a growing English-speaking population and easy communication between the countries.
“Any routine work is becoming obsolete in the U.S.,” Pink said.
Jobs that are difficult to outsource or replace with software require design, the ability to put things in context or see a larger picture, and empathizing with others.

“Everything in our lives is the product of a design decision,” Pink said, citing examples of automobiles, kiosks and designer toilet brushes. Jobs that require people to see, touch and feel the emotions and situations of others are more important, he said, because they can’t be replaced by lines of code.

Thinking about the abilities that are important and applying them to Columbus and its businesses can be beneficial, said Jack Hess, president of Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.  “That will help build our pocket of greatness,” Hess said.  The 20-10 test  Dan Pink, author and keynote speaker at Wednesday’s Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, asked the audience to conduct the 20-10 test: ¿ If you received $20 million today or learned that you had only 10 years left to live, would you continue to do the same job, the same activities that you’re pursuing now? If you answered, “No,” it should tell you something, Pink said. More people today are realizing that wealth does not equate happiness, Pink said, and increasingly are searching for meaningful lives and jobs.

Five individuals and one company were honored by Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday:

Community Initiative Award —  John Burnett and Sherry Stark, for their work on the $38 million Economic Opportunities 2015 project.
 
Athena Award — Barbara Garton, for professional accomplishments, mentorship and support of arts, Mill Race Senior Center, education.

Community Service Award — Sarla Kalsi, for work on Vision 20/20 Committee, involvement in organizations that benefit Columbus.

Company of the Year — Cummins Inc., for financial success, global growth, corporate, social responsibility, support of education.

Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher — Linda Coggin