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...]
Imperturbability- Staying Calm
From Chapter 6, "Imperturbability- Staying Calm" in Ingredients of Outliers In this age of technology and instant everything, which arrived with visions and promises of greater efficiency and effectiveness, we were assured that by now we’d be enjoying lives of greater leisure and pleasure than ever before. Instead, stress levels are sky- high as we collectively bemoan the gloom and doom that awaits our children and grandchildren. Do you know anyone who hasn’t stated, “Oh, my Gosh, I am so stressed!”? It seems as though Uncle Sam, the once tall and proud symbol of our nation, has … [Read more...]
The Importance of a Checklist
From Chapter 4: "Preparation: When the Wind Blows" in Ingredients of Outliers An Important Tool During my careers as a physician, attorney, and entrepreneur—and as a pilot—I’ve come to rely heavily on a relatively simple but highly effective tool to ensure that I’m thoroughly prepared to carry out my prescribed responsibilities, as well as to respond effectively should something unexpected occur. That tool is called a checklist—a significant asset, in a wide range of activities, to prepare to deliver positive results and prevent negative ones. A pioneer and a … [Read more...]
Where’s the Flight Deck?
From Chapter 4: "Preparation: When the Wind Blows" in Ingredients of Outliers Where’s the Flight Deck? If you’re sitting on a commercial airliner that’s preparing for takeoff and happen to overhear the captain asking that question, it probably wouldn’t do a whole lot for your peace of mind. An unlikely situation? Sure it is, but I heard of one case where it could have happened. Years ago, a senior captain of one of the major airlines was preparing to fly a Boeing 747 from Los Angeles to Seoul, Korea. It would be the first time he’d ever even set foot on a 747, much … [Read more...]
Near Fatal Experience
Being prepared is something that has saved my own tail in a few sticky situations. In fact, just last year, I was involved in a near fatal airplane crash. I was the passenger in the cockpit of a plane, which crashed on takeoff. A pilot friend was flying when a gust of wind hit us right at the moment of takeoff from a mountain airstrip. The plane veered off the runway to the left and then back to the right before striking a hangar. Luckily, the person in the backseat near the exit (also a pilot) kicked the door open a moment before impact. Otherwise, we would have been trapped. The pilot … [Read more...]