Rethinking Productivity

There's a pervasive message out there about the importance of being productive and numerous tools promising to increase our productivity. We all felt guilty, at least once, when we perceive ourselves as unproductive. Often we link this productivity with the idea of leaving a legacy. It’s a productive life if I leave a legacy.

When I ask, 'What do you want to create during your time on Earth?' I typically receive two types of answers. Some speak of their big dreams and the legacy they wish to leave; how they want to be remembered. Others talk about simpler aspirations, like spending time with loved ones and being happy. I must confess, there was a time when I thought the latter group lacked ambition. My view on this has changed.

A story that profoundly impacted me involves a conversation between Buddhist monks. A young monk spoke to an older one before leaving the temple for the summer. Upon his return three months later, the older monk inquired, 'How was your summer?' The young monk replied, 'Every day, I prepared meals, ate them, and cleaned up.' The old monk responded, 'You had a great summer.'

Initially, I didn't understand. Just cooking, eating, and washing dishes for three months - how could that be productive or meaningful? It seemed like a waste of time. But after years, the message began to resonate with me: the value in everyday, mundane routines. Alain de Botton once said, 'We forget that spreading butter on bread and making the bed for our children are wondrous things.'

So, I ask you: On your deathbed, which will weigh heavier on your heart? The pursuit of productivity and legacy, or the missed moments with loved ones? Ultimately, what does productivity truly mean to you?

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Rethinking Usefulness

 We all strive to be useful. As children, we do household chores to be useful; as students, we study hard to become useful adults. As adults, we get jobs and make money by being useful, continuously learning and honing our skills to maintain our usefulness.

I had always accepted this as the norm – the inherent necessity of being useful. However, my perspective was challenged by a Korean philosopher during one of his lectures. He questioned this deeply ingrained idea, pointing out that only humans obsess over being useful. I quickly realized he was right. Other life forms, whether animals or plants, don’t concern themselves with usefulness. No tree aims to absorb more CO2 for the environment, even though we value planting trees for this very reason. No tree aspires to grow straight to be better building material.

He further illustrated that when any animal or plant becomes 'useful' in human terms, it often spells trouble for them. Trees that are thick, straight, and strong are the ones cut down for construction, while the thin, curvy, and weak ones survive.

This insight made me ponder: Are we overvaluing the need to be useful at the expense of our happiness, and when is it okay to simply 'be' without being useful? How can we match our need to be helpful with the fact that nature doesn’t care about being useful? What do you think?

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Tips for Leadership Level Interviews

If you are reading this, you're likely in a mid-level career and are now applying for leadership roles. Congratulations! 👏

This transition is a significant step in your career, and it's crucial to understand how leadership interviews differ from those at earlier stages. 

 

As a hiring manager who has interviewed hundreds of candidates, I've seen some key differences between interviews for entry- to mid-level roles and those for leadership positions. Many capable candidates fail in their interviews because they overlook some of these points. 

 

1. Industry and Company Insight 

When selecting new roles, prioritize understanding the industry and the company's position within it. Assess if the industry is on an upward or downward trend and whether the company is a leader or a follower. These insights can be more crucial than the specific role you're considering. 

2. Comprehensive Company Research 

Leadership-level interviews require demonstrating that you're prepared to lead the company and the team towards success. This means having an in-depth understanding of the industry, the company's vision, mission, departmental synergies, partnerships, and business model. Tailor your responses to reflect this comprehensive knowledge. 

3. Emphasizing Impact 

In leadership roles, emphasize the impact of your actions on the organization or its customers, rather than the size of teams or budgets you've managed. Leadership is more about impact and influence than scale. 

4. Future-Oriented Thinking 

When answering questions, always keep the company's future in mind. They are looking for a leader who can guide them to a successful future, not someone who just had amazing accomplishments in the past. 

5. Visionary Approach 

Leadership interviews focus on your vision. Start with a broad perspective, discussing how you identify and evaluate problems, develop strategies, and implement solutions. Highlight their impact, and try not to get lost in the details. 

6. Engaging Dialogue 

Leadership interviews are dialogues rather than interrogations. Use strategic questions to show your understanding of big-picture issues and to engage the interviewer in a meaningful conversation. One tip to drive conversation is asking insightful questions and preparing follow-up questions based on potential answers to continue conversation.   

7. Leadership Presence 

They are looking for a leader, so act like one. Demonstrate leadership qualities by actively listening and understanding the question behind the questions. Present yourself professionally, embodying the qualities of a leader. 

It's okay to show vulnerability and that you are human too, but do not show any hint of insecurity. You should display confidence that you can do the job. 

8. Positive Framing 

When discussing past challenges, focus on the facts and frame them positively, emphasizing the lessons learned and benefits gained. This demonstrates how constructively you will handle difficulties as a leader. 

 

I hope you find these insights helpful as you prepare for your leadership interviews. If you have any questions, wish to delve deeper into any of these areas, or want to discuss your interview strategies, concerns, or need a boost in confidence, I highly recommend trying our AI coach. Engaging in a conversation with the AI coach can significantly strengthen your interview strategy and address any self-doubt you might experience. It's a valuable tool to help you present yourself as the true leader you are, fully prepared and confident.

Download Betterself.ai app, on the AppStore or PlayStore. Try "Excelling in Leadership Interviews" module.

Good luck!

Following Footprints or Forging Your Own Path?

 This is a story I heard way back in school, and it's one that has stuck with me because it made me think deeply. I want to share it, especially with those who are all about efficiency and want to follow a strict roadmap to success.

Usain Bolt, the world's fastest sprinter, wowed the world when he set the 100-meter dash world record. In that blazing sprint, he only took 41 steps to cross the finish line. Now, picture this: What if we asked Bolt to run the 100 meters again, but this time, we change the rules? Imagine a track where only the 41 spots where his feet landed are solid ground, and everything else is just empty space – a vast void. What if someone asked you to run in this condition as the proven way of success?

So, here we have it – the precise steps on how you can run the fastest 100-meter sprint. How does that idea sit with you?

You might think it sounds ridiculous. How can we possibly follow in Bolt's exact footsteps? I'd likely veer off course pretty quickly. You might also argue that imitating his every step isn't the secret to running faster.

I completely agree. And you know what? I believe this applies to more than just sprinting. Don't get too hung up on finding the exact right steps that'll lead you to your goals in the most efficient way. It's okay to observe others' journeys, but remember, it's essential to chart your unique path.

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