Trust, keeping your powder dry, curious outsiders and being boring

sent by Nick Grantham | 14th September 2021

"After all is said and done, more is said than done."

Aesop

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Athletes often tell you they're going to work harder in training. Co-workers will explain at great length how they're going to deliver a project. Managers give inspirational presentations on challenging cultural norms. It's easy for someone to say they're going to do something. I tend to believe it when I see it! Show me, and I'll trust you.

Source: Aesop


"Have more than you show speak less than you know."

William Shakespeare

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Don't be too quick to tell people of your achievements or attempt to show someone how much knowledge you have on a particular subject. Bragging about who you've worked with rarely impresses anyone! Sometimes it's good to keep your powder dry. Sit and listen, release snippets of information about your background. Let others discover more about you.

Source: King Lear by William Shakespeare


"A curious outsider can often see the solution."

David Epstein

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In the brilliant book, Range David Epstein discusses the 'Outsider Effect', how people outside an organisation see things differently. As a consultant, I worked across a wide range of sports and was often able to ask simple questions and challenge long-held beliefs that, over time, had become facts. So sometimes, it's good to be an outsider. 

Source: Range by David Epstein


"Be Boring. (It's the only way to get things done.)"

Austin Kleon

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There are times in your life when you have to be boring. A bit like this insight! If you want to get things done at work, home or in sport, there will be times when you need to knuckle down and do the dull stuff.

Source: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon


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