On March 27 (Wednesday), Jason Yoong will have a fireside chat and Q&A with Dave Kline (MGMT Accelerator, Bridgewater Associates, Moody’s) on “Proven Management Tactics at the Executive level”. We will discuss management principles from working directly with Ray Dalio, managing accomplished executives, management traits that set leaders apart in the eyes of the C-Suite, and more.
The live event and video recording are exclusive to community members.
To become a member, signup to be a paid newsletter subscriber here.
How can we "manufacture the conditions to allow luck to happen?"
It can be done, here are five things you can do:
0) There is no perfect method because extreme bad luck can overcome any amount of skills.
Car wreck. Cancer. Toxic spouse. Truly corrupt (and vindictive) leader. So let's start with item zero and admit that all that follows only changes the odds, it does not ensure success.
1) Hone your raw skill as best as you can.
Being the most gifted, purely the best, always helps. The best coder, the best TPM, the Micheal Jordan. Have a plan to systematically get better. If you get just a tiny bit better each day, read one short article, and try one small new thing, this compounds hundreds and thousands of workdays to make you better.
Example: I write ~3 advice posts a week (sometimes more). Minimum 150 a year. I get better at posting and coaching as a result of 150 deep thinking sessions (20 - 30 minutes each is all) per week.
What is your self-training process?
The Romans were incredible at their craft. The aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, has stood for 2000 years. Learn from others and get this good.
2) Build your EQ, your emotional intelligence.
Soft skills dominate hard skills.
Many hard skills will be automated by AI anyway.
Soft skills and human relationships are the future, and emotional intelligence can be learned. Also, you will need this skill to do #3 and #4 below well.
3) Do your own 360 review.
Don't just rely on your boss. Ask your coworkers, your peers, and your stakeholders for input. Make it safe for them, tell them that you promise not to be upset and you only want to know what you do well and where you can improve.
While one boss may have flawed insight, if you have the courage to collect 10 perspectives, the truth will be there.
Repeat as needed, because as your jobs and roles change, your needs evolve.
