Welcome back to another episode of “Excel Encounters,” where we dive deep into the often overlooked yet immensely valuable aspects of Excel that can transform the way we work. Today, I’m excited to expand on a crucial point I touched on in our last episode, around the 10-minute mark. This point sparked a whole new conversation that deserves its own spotlight: the existence of a “Second World” of Excel and the fallout from publicizing this hidden reality.
The Fallout from Revealing the “Second World” of Excel
When we bring up the concept of a “Second World” within Excel–a world that many aren’t even aware exists even though it is the major relevance of Excel in the workplace –we often meet with resistance. Not because what we’re discussing is incorrect, but because it challenges a deeply ingrained mindset. People have been conditioned to see Excel as a singular tool with a uniform set of capabilities. They believe that Excel skills are the same across the board, no matter where or how you use them. But here’s the thing: that’s not true. This misconception is the root cause of many issues in industries that rely heavily on Excel.
What we’re actually revealing is a massive opportunity for value creation–a world where Excel isn’t just a simple tool for single-user spreadsheets but a powerful platform for complex, ongoing processes. This revelation can be frustrating, even annoying, for those who have built their careers around the more traditional, limited view of Excel. Take, for example, Peter, who has raised accusations of “moving the goalposts.” As a celebrated engineer, his background is steeped in the single-user, single-spreadsheet world of Excel, and for him, this second world feels like an entirely different story–because it is.
The Politics of Knowledge Sharing
The resistance we face isn’t just about differing opinions; it’s about protecting the status quo. Some individuals, whose professional identities are tied to the traditional use of Excel, view this second world as a threat. They prefer to maintain the illusion that there is only one Excel, one way of doing things, and one set of skills that everyone should adhere to. This is particularly true for those who have achieved success within their established networks or “echo chambers.”
But the reality is, this second world of Excel is where the real opportunities lie. It’s where industries can unlock immense value, and where professionals can enhance their careers. This is the world where forward-thinking individuals, like Tom Bower and Lawrence Anderson, recognize the potential and are eager to tap into it. They see the bells ringing–value bells, money and career advancement bells–and they’re ready to capitalize on it.
The Celebrity Culture of the Excel Community
There’s an interesting parallel to be drawn here with social media influencers. In the world of online platforms, a handful of people become celebrities, often making money in ways that are not immediately clear. Their value isn’t always tied to the content they produce but to the traffic they generate for the platforms they operate on–be it YouTube, LinkedIn, or Instagram. These influencers create an ecosystem where a small number of people do extremely well, while the majority–those who follow them–see little to no benefit.
In contrast, the second world of Excel is about tangible, real-world value creation. It’s about empowering people on the ground to become more valuable, to progress in their careers, and to earn more. Yet, those who thrive in the influencer world of Excel often prefer this second world to remain hidden or at least irrelevant to their audience. They don’t want the broader community to reference our Excel challenges, our solutions, or the success stories of those who have embraced this second world, especially when demonstrated in contrast to the results of the First World techniques that they have shown.
The Politics of Ignorance
This brings us to the politics of knowledge sharing. There are vested interests in the Excel community who would prefer that conversations about this second world not take place. They’d rather we stay silent, not discuss the real potential of Excel, and certainly not mention specific challenges or successes that prove the existence and value of this second world. It’s almost as if they want us to review the landscape without mentioning the most important players. This is, of course, absurd.
But here’s the thing: ignoring this second world doesn’t make it any less real. The opportunity is there, and those who are willing to see it and seize it will find themselves at the forefront of a significant shift in how Excel is perceived and utilized. The second world is not just a fantasy; it’s where the most significant growth and innovation are happening.
Conclusion: Embracing the Second World
So, what’s the takeaway? The second world of Excel is not just an abstract concept; it’s a reality that many are already benefiting from. The resistance we face in bringing this to light is natural–change is always met with opposition. But for those who see the value in this second world, who recognize the potential for adding value and creating new opportunities, the rewards are immense.
As we continue to explore this concept in future episodes, I encourage you to think about where you stand. Are you clinging to the old, single-user spreadsheet world, or are you ready to embrace the second world of Excel–a world of connecting people and ongoing processes, systemzation, and unparalleled value creation?
Thanks for joining me in this exploration. If this resonates with you, share it with others who might benefit from a broader understanding of what Excel can really do. Until next time, keep pushing those boundaries and unlocking new possibilities with Excel.
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That wraps up our blog piece for today’s podcast episode. Stay tuned for more insights and deep dives into the transformative world of Excel.
This is Hiran de Silva. Read by Andrew.
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