Talking About Choices, Biases and Productivity
A ThoughtShot For Your Weekend!
Welcome to Issue #12 of Thought Shot - a newsletter on Purpose-Driven Leadership for next-generation leaders. Make sure to not miss the next edition -
In this edition, I am sharing three things you could check out over the weekend - a TED Talk, an Article, and an image. So grab your cuppa and settle in!
One TED Talk
There is a question I often get asked (and often myself ask) - Is it better to be a generalist or specialist?
Both have their own merits, of course. It is a personal choice. I have also realized that career paths are never linear. Sometimes you choose the path, and sometimes the path chooses you.
But instead of being stuck in the generalist vs. specialist debate, one emerging path is growing your career as a niche generalist. That means choosing a broad domain (sector or function) and then building a breadth of knowledge and skills within it.
For instance, my niche is sustainability and development. Over the last 15 years, I have worked on projects in research, market development, partnerships, fundraising, program design, and much more - all within this niche. Instead of specializing in a role, I have experimented with many. And these varieties of experiences help me see interconnections and the big picture of wicked problems a lot better.
I have especially been thinking about this quite a bit since I am currently reading the book Range by David Epstein. It is a #1 NYT Bestseller and I would highly recommend picking it up. But in case you are too busy, then here’s an awesome TED Talk by the author sharing the key message of why generalists thrive in a specialist world.
One Article
The world celebrated International Women’s Day this month. Messages about women leaders (as well as women in our lives) abounded on social media, TV commercials, and everywhere else.
But it is important to go beyond just talk and annual celebrations. And here’s one way to do it.
As you know, another important thing happens in March - performance reviews and appraisals. Before you step into the process for this year, here is an interesting study to read by Harvard Business Review. When I read it, I found it truly fascinating since it helped me see and question a lot of gender biases. Hope it helps you question and reflect as well.
It’s a quick 3 min read, click on the image or read it here.
One Picture
My readers often ask me how I make time for my writing, debut book, and newsletter while managing a full-time job and a kid. Well, there is no secret formula. I am still fumbling and finding the way myself. But one thing I do is plan time and try to minimize distractions.
Here is a great visual with some things you too could try to maximize productivity, especially for any personal goals (such as fitness, reading, cooking, writing, etc.). I came across it on Twitter this week and absolutely loved it.
That’s all for today. Have a happy reading weekend!
You can tell me what you think by replying back or leaving a comment. That’s the best part of my day.
Great "How to Be More Productive" graphic! Makes it look so easy...