HIPAL

Don’t Follow Your Passion….from HBR
This tip was originally published on January 1, 2021.

When it comes to career advice, the adage to “follow your passion" isn’t all that useful, and it can be misleading. If you’re looking to find a career that will matter to you, don’t just think about the things that come naturally to you, the things you love to do, or the things you’ve always excelled at. Instead, consider the activities that you return to time and time again—despite the fact that they are hard for you, or maybe even painful. Think of this approach as “following your blisters.” These probably aren't the activities you're the best at (yet)—they’re the ones that challenge you, frustrate you, and attract you all at once. Maybe it’s writing. Maybe it’s data analysis. Maybe it’s managing people. Whatever it is, if you follow your blisters, you’ll never be bored, and you’ll always be learning. And eventually, you’ll earn the calluses of an expert.

This tip is adapted from “What You Should Follow Instead of Your Passion,” by Dan Cable

The questions in today’s HBR tip, Treat Others as They'd Like to Be Treated, would work great when kicking off a group project, too!

We’ve all heard the so-called Golden Rule: “Treat others as you’d like to be treated.” The problem? Not everyone is just like you. It’s time to adopt a new Golden Rule: “Treat others as they’d like to be treated.” To put this new mindset into practice in the workplace, start by challenging your assumptions about the people you’re working with. Ask yourself, “Are my assumptions based on my own experiences and preferences at work?” Next, ask questions — and really listen. For example, you might ask a new colleague, “How do you prefer to communicate?” Or if you’re starting a new project with someone you’ve never collaborated with, you could ask them, “In what format do you need the information about this project?” If your colleague’s preferences differ from yours, pursue a solution that works for everyone. Look for any common denominator. You might not be able to agree on everything, but try agreeing on just one thing. A small win-win will make both of you feel respected and seen.

This tip is adapted from “It’s Time to Stop Following ‘The Golden Rule,',” by Irina Cozma