Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology and chief innovation officer at ManpowerGroup, delves into the often-overlooked role of luck in career success. He discusses how luck can overshadow talent, challenging traditional meritocratic views. They explore how cultural perceptions of luck can differ and how individuals can enhance their chances of success through preparation and exploration. The conversation also highlights the importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership for fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
Luck accounts for about 55% of professional success, emphasizing the random opportunities that influence career trajectories beyond personal attributes.
Cultural attitudes towards luck differ, with the US celebrating achievements more openly compared to the UK’s tendency for self-deprecation.
Deep dives
The Role of Luck in Success
Luck significantly influences professional success, accounting for approximately 55% of it according to analysis. This percentage considers the random events and opportunities that individuals encounter throughout their careers, distinguishing them from personal attributes such as personality, motivation, and skills, which collectively comprise the remaining 45%. Successful individuals often do not openly acknowledge the role that luck plays, instead focusing on their achievements as a reflection of their hard work and talent. However, recognizing the extensive impact of luck, including privilege and societal advantages, can lead to a more honest understanding of one's path to success.
Cultural Perceptions of Luck
Cultural attitudes towards luck can vary significantly, particularly between the UK and the US. In the US, people commonly showcase their achievements and successes, while in the UK, there is a tendency for extreme self-deprecation and downplaying of personal accomplishments. This discrepancy highlights a broader societal reluctance to acknowledge the advantages that come with privilege, often resulting in disingenuous expressions of 'luck' in professional contexts. Embracing a candid conversation about the factors that contribute to success, including background and social status, can lead to a better understanding of one's career trajectory.
Strategies for Enhancing Luck
Individuals can adopt specific strategies to enhance their perceived luck by staying open to opportunities and preparing for favorable circumstances. Setting the right mindset is crucial; being prepared and able to recognize beneficial situations can ultimately boost one’s chances of success. Additionally, self-knowledge plays a vital role in maximizing luck, as understanding personal strengths and weaknesses can lead to better decision-making. Engaging with new experiences and forming connections can also create new pathways and unexpected opportunities, contributing to a sense of increased luck in one's career.
Most successful people will tell you that hard work and talent can get you where you want to go. Fewer of them will admit that luck is at least as important. Some of us are born into luckier circumstances than others; but we can all do more to make our own luck, and be ready to capitalise on it when the opportunity arises. In this episode, Isabel Berwick speaks to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, professor of business psychology at UCL and Columbia, chief innovation officer of ManpowerGroup, and author of books including ‘The Talent Delusion’ and ‘Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?’ Along with FT work and careers writer Emma Jacobs, they discuss why luck is a taboo subject, how it helps the wrong people thrive, and what managers can do to level the playing field.
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Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.