Catalyst: The ultimate strategies on how to win at work and in life is based on experience of the author while working in few reputed organisations. This book is written in simple English with right examples based on the authors experience in reaching the career. The following are my take on this book. The book is divided into three parts;
First part is about Individual Growth
Second part is about - Factors to be considered in second halves of career
Third part is about leadership based on Humanity and Honesty
My take on the book;
Foundations & Pillars: This book shares the about authors experience in dealing career aspirations and management. Typically everyone aspires to be very successful in their career and wants to grow very fast and climb the ladder of success. Career is broadly divided into two halves, where in 95% of the time people are successful in the first halve and only 5% of the people are successful in second halve. Career success – easy in the first half, difficult in the second half. The major factors for success depends upon (i) The nature of the organization, (ii) The Impact of the boss and supervisors(iii) The preparation required to succeed at each level. Success in the second halves of career is largely a function of the foundation & pillars built in the first halves.
Algorithm & Target Measure Review Reflect: The author uses “Algorithm & TMRR”( Target Measure Review Reflect) more frequently, you can find in every sixth page . Many people post or tweet messages, experiences etc. in the digital space of Facebook, LinkedIn etc., but few gets noticed and gets shared. This is because an algorithm is inbuilt which tracks the likes and dislikes and prioritize these. Similarly in career growth the algorithm is built with IQ and EQ and therefore career growth is related to Real individual Growth which includes Environmental Aspects. Personal productivity is converting this algorithm into output. To increase the productivity focus needs to be within the circle of influence.
Learning Cycles: Successful people seems to have participated in more major learning cycles then less successful & successful people seemed to have extracted more experience and real individual growth out of the learning cycles they participate in than less successful people. Career cannot be linear and it should be managed. A good career management as three fundamental principles –(i) focus on depth over width(ii) Complete major learning cycles(iii) get out there when you can. While doing career planning identifying a good boss is very important. A hint to identify a good boss, may be through a good company – may be company’s rating in talent market, reputation of hiring quality talent.
Decision Making for Quitting & Joining: 2X2 matrix for decision making to quite – Current organisation – What is good & What is bad| Future organisation – What can be good & What can be bad. Motivation is through hopping on a hobby and leadership is function of Position, Content & Values’
Recommendation:
Would recommend this book to those who have just started their career and those with less than 10 years of experience. However there is no scientific evidence that this will work with every one, as author says LUCK matters.
There are 100 pass out of IIM’s, only few make to the top! so Luck do matters, but fundamentals needs to be strong and stronger with good boss and good company!