5 Things: Issue 07
5 Things: Issue 07
A weekly dose of inspiration: diverse perspectives, generalists, cognitive psychology
This week's newsletter is inspired by my ongoing journey to accept my internal battle to "niche down" on my service offerings.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is how I get to learn about so many different industries. My work really embodies the principle of being a generalist - something I've struggled to accept for much of my professional life.
My understanding of and appreciation for versatility continues to grow, in part from Emilie Wapnick's insights on "multipotentialites". Emilie's emphasis on the strength of individuals who might not have “one true calling” aligns with my approach as a generalist in a world that often places high value on specialization and niching.
multi • potential • ite
a person with many interests and creative pursuits.1
In a recent conversation with fellow "stray cat" Julie Lavergne (her term), we recognized that there is a growing appreciation for people who can connect the dots across different domains, although the world still has a ways to go. Emilie's observations about how multipotentialites offer a unique perspective in problem-solving resonate deeply with us. Our ability to navigate through diverse areas allows us to discern patterns, identify opportunities, and contribute significant value.
Embracing the generalist mindset has allowed me to work with organizations that focus on subjects like economic development (both rural and urban), the forest industry in BC, music advocacy, people living with disabilities, small business, food production, leading in complex organizational structures, engineering, skilled trades, DEIB, finance, tech and more.
My love for working across industries and service offerings aligns with Emilie's belief that multipotentialites thrive when exploring a range of interests.
Being a generalist isn't just personally enriching. I truly believe that my skill set substantially benefits my clients. I can be a powerful tool for organizations and entrepreneurs alike. My ability to draw insights from a variety of industries enables me to offer well-rounded perspectives and creative solutions.
My coaching, consulting and facilitation skills all complement each other no matter what type of engagement I'm focusing on.
Interconnectedness is increasingly important, and my generalist nature helps me bridge gaps, facilitate collaboration, and provide tailored guidance that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by my clients.
One Piece of Business Advice
If you ever feel like you’re coming up short for ideas or inspiration on how to overcome a challenge in your business or organization, try looking outside your own industry.
A good first step in starting your search is to get clear on what the essence of the problem actually is. Once you have a clear idea of what the challenge is, you can research other industries and companies that have experienced similar issues. Take a closer look at how they solved the problem and see if you can identify any strategies that would work for your situation.
Coming up with a solution on your own requires innovative thinking. Look for ways to think outside the box and find unique approaches to address the problem at hand. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new ideas that haven't been done before.
One Mastery Tip
Having a network of trusted advisors and mentors can be invaluable for personal and professional growth. I first learned about the concept of having a personal "board of directors" from Shane Parrish at Farnam Street in his latest book, "Clear Thinking."
A personal board of directors is a group of people who guide and support you in various aspects of your life. These individuals can be from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, who offer their unique insights and perspectives. This is different from a formal board of directors within a company. Your personal board of directors is voluntary and usually chosen based on trust, shared values, and a genuine interest in your well-being.
Here's how to build a personal board:
Start by identifying the specific areas where you need guidance and support. Whether it's career advice, personal growth, or spiritual development, be clear about your goals and desires.
Then, reach out to your network and chat with people who might be a good fit for your board. Consider individuals who have shown expertise in your areas of interest or a proven track record of success and personal growth.
It's a good idea to have a mix of individuals on your board that offer diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise. It'll challenge your thinking and give you a well-rounded support system. These people also don’t need to have “everything figured out” in their lives. No one is perfect. But you might really admire how someone manages one particular aspect of their life.
And, make sure you're nurturing your board! Schedule regular connection points with your board where you can both give and receive guidance and support. Remember, building a personal board of directors is a two-way street, and cultivating meaningful relationships with your advisors and mentors will be essential for mutual growth and success.
This wonderful human is an unofficial member of my own personal board. Check out my recent post on LinkedIn to find out why.
Do you have your own personal board of directors? What has worked? What didn't?
Today's Quote
“It was not only okay to be my weird self, leading with my uniqueness might actually be the key to my success.” ~ Emily Wapnick
One Resource
One of my favourite thought leaders on cognitive science and humanistic psychology is Scott Barry Kaufman. He’s behind the very successful “Psychology Podcast”, the Centre for Human Potential and more recently has launched his own “Beautiful Minds” publication here on Substack.
If you’re looking to learn more from inspiring thinkers around personal mastery, check out his interviews and thought leadership.
I’m SO EXCITED to be taking part in his Foundations for Self-Actualization Coaching program this spring!
And on the topic of coaching, I’m excited to be onboarding three new coaching clients into my practice this March! I’m donating the fee from my first coaching session with each of these individuals to Dress for Success Kelowna’s Your Hour, Her Power campaign to support women entering (or re-entering) the workforce.
If you want to support with or without the coaching, head over to my fundraising page and make your donation!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sue
Note: There are some affiliate links on this site, so I might make a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It's free, and it helps me keep my family fed and my business thriving. It also allows me to keep creating great content. You're awesome! Thanks!
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