EconTalk Tyler Cowen on Talent
32 snips
Aug 15, 2022 
Tyler Cowen, an economist and Marginal Revolution blogger, dives into his new book on talent with insights on honing your skills through practice. He argues that unstructured interviews are key for high-level roles and that stamina often trumps grit in long-term success. Cowen emphasizes the pitfalls of overvaluing credentials while advocating for a nuanced approach to evaluating potential beyond mere skills. He also highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in interviewing and discusses the impact of innovative funding models for identifying extraordinary talent.
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The Practice Question
- Ask interview candidates about their daily practice routine, like a pianist practicing scales.
- This reveals their self-improvement focus and how they get better at their craft.
Unstructured Interviews
- Unstructured interviews are unavoidable for creative, high-level positions.
- People will seek outside opinions, forming impressions regardless of formal structure.
Overrated Credentials
- The US overvalues credentials, creating barriers for talented individuals.
- Look beyond traditional credentials for untapped potential and intellectual arbitrage.
