I must admit that I have always enjoyed that feeling of intellectual discomfort that comes with trying to solve a hard problem. The discomfort not always arrives at good times – how about the week before a big conference?; or with a big pile of comments from journals? All the same, I enjoy the feeling of stretching my capacity for analysis. Thinking for a living works well with my nature. I am an “in” person. Not, not in the way movie stars are “in”. I am introspective, introverted, and independent. I consider, control, contain, all while remaining emotionally detached from my subjects of inquiry.
But, life is getting bigger at home and at work.
The characteristics that my scientist self has spent years cultivating are not enough to grow to the next level. What happens when part of my job is to encourage others to rise above their individual (very gifted) minds and goals? Where do I draw from to speak to others’ strengths? How do I add inspiration and insights to the many “in” words that describe me? I am starting to think that the answer might be to soften the dam that divides who I am as a professional and who I am in my personal life…
Recent Comments