An unexpected skill for the Future of Work

For years, I've used 'magic' as shorthand for moments of delight in products, classes, or events - but what if it's actually the most practical skill for the future of work?

Here’s the thing, though. Lately I've hesitated to use the word ‘magic’. In our metrics-obsessed world, people eye it with suspicion. It's fluff, snake oil, BS.

Then I stumbled upon this gem from Raymond Teller (one half of the illustrious magician duo Penn & Teller):

 "Magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone else might reasonably expect."

Suddenly, "magic" isn't about illusions. It's about dedication. It's the extra mile that transforms good into unforgettable.

In the future of work, where AI handles the ordinary, this kind of magic - this unreasonable effort - will set us apart. It makes people think, wonder, and stick around. It takes you places you didn't expect.

So, I'm reclaiming "magic" in my professional lexicon.

It sparkles in workshops, programs, and co-working sessions.

It’s when you conjure those shining moments of insight, those unexpected bursts of creativity.

And magic is unlocking the hidden capacity in teams and individuals - the ability to go above and beyond in ways no algorithm can touch.

You won't find 'magic' in any Future of Work trends report. But in a world of algorithms, making magic might just be our most valuable skill.

He's a good fella, that Teller.