10 Insights on Human Potential — Geoff Colvin

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This presentation consists of highlights from the interview with Moe Abdou,

founder & host of 33voices®.

Geoff Colvin, is Fortune’s senior editor-at-large and has written hundred of articles for the magazine including its popular column

Value Driven. He lectures widely and is the regular lead moderator for the Fortune Global Forum. Colvin graduated Harvard cum laude

with a B.A. in economics, and received his M.B.A. from New York University’s Stern School. His first book, Talent Is Overrated, earned global acclaim and was a Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, and

New York Times business bestseller.

Geoff Colvin@geoffcolvin

Fortune Magazine Senior Editor at Large

Human abilities are without limit. Observe the highest achievers and

you’ll notice individuals who are:

Insight #1

Human abilities are without limit. Observe the highest achievers and

you’ll notice individuals who are:Whole-brained - excelling as much at

human interactions, as they are at the linear and logical skills

Insight #1

Human abilities are without limit. Observe the highest achievers and

you’ll notice individuals who are:Committed to hard work and deliberate practice

Insight #1

Human abilities are without limit. Observe the highest achievers and

you’ll notice individuals who are:Relentless at continual improvement

and growth.

Insight #1

Insight #2

As technology continues to accelerate, it’s wise to stop worrying about what computers

can’t or won’t do, and instead start focusing on what you, as a human being, will never stop

demanding from another human being.

Insight #3

In the next decade, human ingenuity will be distinguished by the deepest of human only traits - Empathy, collaboration, joint

problem solving, group laughter, and advancing relationships.

Insight #4

It’s unwise to view empathy as feeling sorry for someone, for it’s more the ability and

willingness to discern the thoughts and feelings of another person, whatever they maybe, and to respond to them in an appropriate manner.

Insight #5

The most progressive employers overvalue empathic individuals, for they understand that:

Insight #5

The most progressive employers overvalue empathic individuals, for they understand that:They excel at understanding the customer

Insight #5

The most progressive employers overvalue empathic individuals, for they understand that:

All important problems are more likely to be solved by teams, not individuals

Insight #6

Contrary to popular belief, the key to a productive team isn’t leadership, cohesiveness or motivation. Rather, it’s the social sensitivity

of the team members — measure it!

Insight #7

Team Building Essential — The After Action Review {AAR} is a structured team process

popularized by the U.S. Military to analyze what happened, why it happened, and how it can be done better by the participants and those responsible for the project. To maximize its

effectiveness, keep in mind that:

Insight #7

“The real key to this process is candor - it’s soldiers and officers together. Everyone

takes their helmets off, which is very symbolic. There is no rank in the room. Comments are blunt. If the boss made a bad decision, often

it’s a subordinate who points it out.”

Insight #8

Smart companies emphasize gender diversity, for they know that as value moves to skills of

social interactions, women will outperform men.

Insight #8

Smart companies emphasize gender diversity, for they know that as value moves to skills of

social interactions, women will outperform men. They have a natural advantage in social

sensitivity and empathy

Insight #8

Smart companies emphasize gender diversity, for they know that as value moves to skills of

social interactions, women will outperform men. They have a wider peripheral vision

Insight #8

Smart companies emphasize gender diversity, for they know that as value moves to skills of

social interactions, women will outperform men. They are more likely to ignite collaboration within groups

Insight #9

A story may captivate people, but, it’s storytelling, done face-to-face,

eyeball to eyeball that will ultimately move people to action.

Insight #10

As you contemplate your ability to get ahead this next decade, keep in mind that:

Insight #10

As you contemplate your ability to get ahead this next decade, keep in mind that:It is with certainty that business models will change faster and more frequently

than ever before

Insight #10

As you contemplate your ability to get ahead this next decade, keep in mind that:

Your biggest challenge is one of imagination - are you able to imagine with more bravado?

Insight #10

As you contemplate your ability to get ahead this next decade, keep in mind that:

Getting better is a choice that starts when you commit to deliberate practice

Bonus The best interviewers

don’t necessarily ask the best questions - they excel at listening

and improvising. The genius of their exchange is that they over-prepare, and under plan.

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Presentation created by Chase Jennings

Insights by Moe Abdou

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