Happy July, WICT New York members! This month’s pick comes to you a little later due to the fireworks and BBQs that dominated our priority list recently.
My pick this month is apropos, because it is all about the right timing.
Now, I could have sent this out the first week of the month, but let’s be honest, it would have been a long shot for you to open, let alone take the time to read it. I get it. It’s all about being served the right message at the right time (as the marketing adage goes…), but it is also about you being in the right mood, in the right setting, at the right time.
This month’s pick:
WHEN: THE SCIENTIFIC SECRETS TO PERFECT TIMING
by Daniel H. Pink
Why I love it (scratch that – Why I’m OBSESSED):
It takes all of our common sense wisdom and experience (“I’m not a morning person;” “the 3 o’clock slump;” “people become morning people as they age”) and analyzes the scientific reasons behind it.
Daniel gives you not only understanding, but real world actions you can take to optimize your performance and your team’s performance based on the data. I also learned a lot of things that were counter to my assumptions as well – such as, sometimes it is better to end mid-thought and pick up later than finishing it up. (Who knew?)
I also love it because Daniel’s writing is incredibly approachable and fun – he makes data the opposite of boring.
I have discovered a few things about myself:
- I used to be an owl but am slowly becoming a lark (and I am not upset about it).
- I now understand why I was always better at my financial meetings in the morning.
- I now know how to get the best work out of my owly millennials who should never be asked to do analytical work early in the morning. (Sometimes, it is preferable for them to start later and stay later, so they can better focus.)
- I now have respect for the 20 minute nap.
Other fun facts:
- Daniel uses both Hemingway and Seinfeld as role models and examples in the book.
- Coffee drunk before a 20-minute nap doubles your refreshed feeling.
- Understanding the power of breaks and optimizing key times of the day for your team, can make you a unique and super productive leader.
