PROGRESSION: How to Manage Anger, Talk About Diversity, and Become a Lifelong Learner
June 2020
I recently stumbled upon a quote that’s been stuck in my mind. “The secret to doing good research is always to be a little underemployed. You waste years by not being able to waste hours.”
This quote comes from Amos Tversky, and while he’s talking specifically about research, I think it applies to all work. His advice may be counterintuitive, but too often I find myself heads down on a project, cranking hard, and forget the “why” behind what I’m doing. Creating space to think, to tinker, to be bored, ultimately helps us find our why and do better work. We waste years by not being able to waste hours.
Books, articles, etc.
Getting Over Your Fear of Talking About Diversity by Daisy Auger-Dominguez (Article)
The last few weeks have been challenging for many. One thing I’ve learned is that there’s no replacement for real conversations. My job at DoorDash puts me in a situation where I regularly have tough conversations on these topics. It’s in these real conversations, not responding on social media, where I’ve felt the most resonance and progress.
This article provides three practical steps you can take to feel more comfortable about talking about diversity at work. We can’t make progress if we don’t listen. We can’t make progress if we don’t have real conversations.
Kobe...to Shaq!: The Lob That Launched a Dynasty by Howard Beck (Article)
This article probably doesn’t belong in a career-focused newsletter, but please indulge me. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the Lakers came back from a 15-point, fourth quarter deficit to beat the Blazers in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals. I forgot how amazing that Blazers team was (check out that roster!). This may be my favorite memory as a sports fan.
Here’s a great podcast on the topic: Howard Beck on his oral history of The Lob w/ Zach Lowe
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (Book)
I absolutely love reading biographies from the early US history, especially those that capture the Revolutionary War. I’ll be very brief here as I plan to go deeper in my next podcast episode, but I highly recommend this book.
Without a doubt, of all the founding fathers, Hamilton's rise to power is by far the most improbable. Born in Nevis, a small island in the Caribbean, Hamilton's father left him when he was a boy. Not long after, his mother died of yellow fever. Next, his cousin, who was entrusted to watch over him, committed suicide.
Hamilton would go on to become Washington’s chief of staff during the American Revolution, architect the Federalist Papers that helped ratify the US Constitution, found a national bank, and mastermind the country’s financial system. Okay, I said I would be brief. Just give the book a read.
Observations
How Lifelong Learning Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Episode 10)
In this episode, I share three concrete ways you can make learning a competitive advantage in your career. I also share the future of The Not Your Parents' Workplace Show, including why I’m going on a YouTube hiatus and why I’ll be doubling down on the podcast.
Recent episodes of The Not Your Parents’ Workplace Show include:
Difficult Conversations: Why They're Important and How to Have Them: Podcast | YouTube
This Simple Tool Will Stop Anger From Destroying Your Career: Podcast | YouTube
Career Q&A with John Mayfield, General Partner at Album VC
The next Career Q&A is with John Mayfield. I’ve had the good fortune of knowing John for more than 10 years and he’s one of the most genuine and kind people that I know. I love his advice on adopting a give first mentality, the power of developing soft skills, and why people shouldn’t over-index on compensation in the first 15 years of a career.
Gratitudes
I’ve found power in regularly expressing gratitude so I’ll continue the habit. I’m grateful for Star Wars. This is a repeat of Day 28, but over the last two weeks, somewhat randomly, our kids have gotten way into Star Wars. I find myself continuously explaining who the characters are and why the first movie is actually the fourth movie.
They love this SNL clip of Undercover Boss with Kylo Ren. After the rain comes the rainbow. And check these out if you’re looking for a new Zoom background. (My fave is the Tatooine sunset.)
Thanks for reading. As I’ve created more content over the last few months with YouTube/Podcasts as well as Career Q&As, these emails have gotten quite long. Rather than just say less, for the foreseeable future I’ll send twice a month instead of monthly. As always, open to your feedback.
If you've read anything worth sharing I'd love to hear about it. And do let me know if there's anything I can do to help you.
Nathan
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