I first heard the term 'Shared Actualisation' from leadership author Simon Sinek. Shared actualisation is what Sinek believes is missing from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It cites Self Actualisation as a need. But according to Sinek a key need is:

--->  Shared actualisation.

Then a few days ago I was reading this NYT times piece explaining our pursuit of artificial Consciousness in robots. It explores what defines consciousness. It seems there is no consensus around what it actually refers to. One of the criteria for Dr. Lipson, director of the Creative Machines Lab at Columbia University is (and of course I couldn't agree more):

--->  Future visioning.

Here are other criteria broken down in the NYT piece:
Language + Creativity + Adaptability + Self awareness + Abstract Thinking + Physicality

But what I personally think is missing from this list (I'll take a cue from Sinek and no surprise here I started with this): 

---> Shared actualisation

The truth is there are many criteria to consciousness. It can get blurry. What does it mean to you? Love, Freedom, Passion? 

Your call to action is below (scroll down). 

YOUR CTA: WHAT'S CONSCIOUSNESS TO YOU? 

Here are 3 questions about consciousness for you to explore: 

1. Think of your own consciousness. How does it feel as a physical sensation?

2. What consciousness do you manifest in your work?

3. What's a small action you can take today to be a 'conscious' human? 

Personally for me:

1. is raised warmth

2. is shared actualisation in the Trend Atelier

3. is smiling to strangers today (one of my favourite things, always love the response). 

By Geraldine Wharry