Deliberate Practice

I just finished reading Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. I highly recommend it to anyone who is involved in training and development - and to anyone who wants to get better at what he or she does. (I suspect that covers just about all of us.) He argues convincingly that talent really is overrated. The people who make it to the top of their fields like Chris Rock, Tiger Woods, Yo-Yo Ma, etc. got there because of lots of hours of what he calls deliberate practice. Not the hit a bucket of balls on Saturday and call it good version of practice, but paying attention to each swing and analyzing what worked or didn't. He said this type of practice is not fun. It's hard work.
 
Talent is Overrated made me think of Steve Martin's memoir, Born Standing Up. He states that most of the years he performed stand-up comedy, he was an unknown trying to perfect his craft. He tells stories of watching masters at work entertaining crowds at amusement parks where he worked as a teenager. Then he would try out some of their bits. He's pay attention to what worked and what didn't and try again - and again.  
 
Colvin suggests that this type of disciplined practice is rarely seen in organizations. I agree. Often nothing happens after the training ends to support the learner in developing his or her skills. As one who works in change management, I shudder when I hear leaders tell me that the extent of education in that area is to send people to a one-day workshop and give them a book. It may be great training and an equally fine book, but where's the opportunity to develop the skills?
 
 
Becoming an Effective Organizational Intervener
 
Many of you know that in addition to my consulting business, I have been deeply involved in the work of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, first as a student and later as faculty. The "deliberate practice" and feedback I got (and continue to get) at the Institute has had a huge impact on my ability to do what I do.
 
If you are looking for a place to increase your effectiveness getting things done in organizations, I highly recommend the Becoming an Effective Organizational Intervener (BEI) program. (That's where I teach.)
 
Working there is a labor of love for me. I hope you'll consider looking into the BEI program. And feel free to call me anytime to discuss it. I love talking about the program.
 
Here is a link to a short Podcast I recorded where I explain why my study in Cleveland has meant so much to me. Rick's Podcast
 
And here is a link to a description of the BEI program.
 
The next program starts in the fall, so now is a good time to register, etc. etc.
 

Rick