From Chapter 15 “Intuition” in Ingredients of Outliers. In his book, The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect Us from Violence, Gavin de Becker—an FBI profiler, security consultant, and presidential appointee—describes, in a thorough and compelling manner, the importance of intuition as an early warning system when our safety and well-being are threatened. At first glance, the words “gift” and “fear” may seem like an odd coupling, but de Becker quickly makes his case. In his opening chapter, he writes: “I am called an expert. I may have learned many lessons, but my basic premise … [Read more...]
Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals
From Chapter 13 “Efficiency” in Ingredients of Outliers. Put It in Writing One of the best ways to become more efficient in every area of your life is to set goals for yourself. I’m not talking about pipe dreams or bucket lists or wish lists. I’m talking about what are known as S.M.A.R.T. goals, goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. And they must be written goals. As well-known speaker, consultant, and author Tom Hopkins advises: “An unwritten want is a wish, a dream, a never-happen. The day you put your goal in writing is the day it becomes a … [Read more...]
A Difference Between Efficiency and Effectiveness
From Chapter 13 “Efficiency” in Ingredients of Outliers. A Better Way Let’s take a closer look at exactly what we mean by “efficiency,” which is sometimes confused with the word “effectiveness.” Both words are used frequently in the management literature, and some dictionaries even show each as a synonym of the other. In fact, they have separate meanings. Probably the most succinct statement about their difference came from the late Peter Drucker, the best known and most respected management consultant, educator and author of the twentieth century. Here’s what he said: “Efficiency is … [Read more...]