Below are some of my favorite finds for the week: The Key to Unlocking Design Skills What I’d like to propose is that self-awareness is the most important design skill, not because it fundamentally is a design skill, but because it unlocks the traits that lead to great teams and great design. Should You Become a Manager? Being someone’s manager in a 1:1 is much different than being the person venting to their manager in a 1:1. Learning the ins and outs of an organization — what motivates … [Read more...]
Lessons from Shrill
I think the most important thing I do in my professional life today is delivering public, impermeable ‘no’s and sticking to them. I say no to people who prioritize being cool over being good. I say no to misogynists who want to weaponize my body against me. I say no to men who feel entitled to my attention and reverence, who treat everything the light touches as a resource for them to burn. I say no to religious zealots who insist that I am less important than an embryo. I say no to my own … [Read more...]
Lessons from Quiet
Cain's Calls to Action Stop the madness for constant group work! Work together, but allow room for autonomy. Go to the wilderness. Unplug and get inside your own head. Take a good look at what's inside your own suitcase and why you put it there. Grace the world with your authentic self. The world needs you and the things you carry. Have the courage to speak softly. You don't need to be extroverted to do good work or stand out (in your own way). Everyone … [Read more...]
Leadership Lessons from Big Magic
Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me. Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear While this book is directed at artists and other creatives, it does offer up a few leadership lessons if you are willing to push past the out-there (spiritual?) tone and read between the … [Read more...]
Lessons from Yes Please
It’s called Yes Please because it is the constant struggle and often the right answer. Can we figure out what we want, ask for it, and stop talking? Yes please. Is being vulnerable a power position? Yes please. Am I allowed to take up space? Yes please. Would you like to be left alone? Yes please. I love saying “yes” and I love saying “please.” Saying “yes” doesn’t mean I don’t know how to say no, and saying “please” doesn’t mean I am waiting for permission. “Yes please” sounds powerful and … [Read more...]