#149: Geoff Colvin, Fortune Magazine’s Senior Editor-at-Large – Use deliberate practice to improve
Aug 24, 2023
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Fortune Magazine's Senior Editor-at-Large, Geoff Colvin, shares insights on excellence in human performance. Topics include the overrated nature of talent, improving performance, characteristics of practice, qualities of a top-notch coach, and the most important trait for leaders as AI takes off.
Deliberate practice is the key to improving performance at practically anything, involving personalized, challenging, and repeated practice with continual feedback.
In the era of advancing technology, developing human skills such as empathy and relationship management is crucial for remaining economically valuable and adapting to change.
Deep dives
Importance of a Supportive Environment for World-Class Performance
A supportive environment for world-class performance is crucial for young people to try different things and be supported without excessive criticism. This environment encourages freedom to experiment and gentle guidance without being forceful. Research shows that parenting plays a significant role in helping children understand the path to greatness and motivating them to pursue it.
The Value of a Business Degree in Leadership
Having an MBA is not mandatory for aspiring leaders. While business schools are evolving their curricula to emphasize the skills of human interaction, many successful leaders do not have MBAs. The emphasis on human interaction skills and big-picture thinking in business education is proving more valuable for future leaders.
The Power of Deliberate Practice for World-Class Performance
Deliberate practice is a specific type of practice that pushes individuals just beyond their current abilities. It is personalized, challenging, repeated at high volume, and provides continual feedback. Deliberate practice, typically done for hours a day over several years, is the common factor among world-class performers across various fields.
The Skills Needed to Thrive in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
In the era of advancing technology and artificial intelligence, human skills such as deep human interaction are becoming increasingly valuable. Empathy, discerning what others think and feel, and managing relationships are critical in a world where technology excels at analysis. Developing these skills will be essential for individuals to remain economically valuable and adapt to the changing landscape.
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be excellent at something?
If so, you’re going to love this episode with Geoff Colvin. He’s the Senior Editor-at-Large for Fortune magazine and one of the most curious and articulate people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the years.
Geoff is also fascinated by excellence in human performance, especially as it pertains to business leaders.
He’s spent decades talking to experts, analyzing research, and asking big questions. Today, you get to benefit from his know-how.
If there’s ANYTHING you want to get better at – whether it’s at work or at home – this conversation basically gives you a playbook for it.
Plus, we get into some bigger questions around AI and the skills leaders really need to be focusing on right now.
Your mind is going to be spinning with big insights – listen now!
You’ll also learn:
Why talent is overrated (and why that’s good news for you!)
The key to improving performance at practically anything
The 4 characteristics of practice that actually help you improve
Three qualities of a top-notch coach
The most important trait for us to develop as AI takes off
ALSO...
Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642
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