Problems – The Specialist-Generalist

May 23, 2020May 23, 2020 John Worne Planning, Problems, Specialist-Generalist, Strategy

Stop!

People at the top of organisations can drive themselves and whole cultures to anxiety, stress and overwork; seeking answers to problems which just may not have one. In computation there are many ‘undecidable problems’ where any possible computer program may give the wrong answer, or could run forever without giving any answer at all. A … Continue reading Stop!

December 1, 2012January 21, 2017 John Worne Risk Management

The very worst that could happen…

By John Worne Sometimes it helps to talk frankly about the very worst that could happen. Whether its IT disasters, climbing construction budgets or tricky HR problems, at times professionals can be fearful of things going wrong; and really fearful of taking the blame. Sometimes as a Specialist-Generalist it helps to get people to talk … Continue reading The very worst that could happen…

Here's what Harvard Business Review has to say on 'Imposter Syndrome', every Specialist-Generalist's constant companion:

"We’ve all had that feeling of being unqualified to do something we’ve been tasked to do. But the fact that everyone occasionally suffers from impostor syndrome (even CEOs and Prime Ministers) doesn’t make it any easier to handle.

Try these three things:

1) Recognise there are positives to being new in your field. When you’re not steeped in the conventional wisdom of a given profession or industry, you can ask questions that haven’t been asked before or approach problems in ways others haven’t thought of.

2) Adopt a learning mindset. Focus more on what you’re learning than on how you’re performing.

3) Know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling like an impostor, chances are that others feel the same way."