How to Get Better at Writing in 7+1 Steps
A guide on how to get better at writing. Learn how to balance the contradictory demands of making good writing seem effortless.
Workplace
Posts related to the workplace
Four Stages of Competence: How We Learn New Skills
An exploration of the Four Stages of Competence, a learning model that details how we progress from mindless ignorance to effortless mastery.
Dark Horses: How to Learn From the Quiet People in the Room
A reflection on the idea of Dark Horses as an analogy for the quiet people in the room. How can we uncover those unknown knowns?
Circle of Competence: How to Escape Competition
A reflection on the Circle of Competence and Naval Ravikant’s credo to escape competition through authenticity. Time to quit the rat race.
Making Recommendations: 5+2 Principles for Decision-Making
An exploration of seven principles on making recommendations and how to avoid the age-old Cassandra problem.
The Intelligence Cycle: How to Process Information Like an Analyst
An exploration of the Intelligence Cycle, a method analysts use to process raw data into actionable insights. Here’s how anyone can use it.
The Peter Principle: How to Overcome the Perils of Promotions
A reflection on the Peter Principle, a semi-satirical explanation for incompetence in the workplace. There’s only one way to overcome it.
Hard and Soft Power: Why You’re More Powerful Than You Think
A reflection on Joseph S. Nye’s concepts of hard and soft power in world politics. How can we use them to gauge our own influence?
The Science of Bullshit: 5 Notes on How to Deal With Nonsense
An exploration of the science of bullshit, a peculiar research field asking all the right questions. Can you bullshit a bullshitter?
The Boiling Frog: 5 Toxic Leadership Behaviours & Their Antidote
A reflection on five potentially toxic leadership behaviours that may be signs of a toxic workplace. How much slack should you cut your boss?
Problem Theft: How to Handle Other People’s Problems
A reflection on the counterproductive habit to steal other people’s problems. How can we be helpful without becoming kleptomaniacs?
Yak Shaving: How to Stay Focused
A reflection on Yak Shaving, the process of doing a seemingly useless task that is nonetheless still connected to achieving your big goal.
Tall Poppy Syndrome in the Workplace and the Laws of Power
A reflection on Tall Poppy Syndrome, a social phenomenon that occurs when someone’s success causes them to be envied or discredited.
Waiting for Godot: When Tomorrow Never Comes
A reflection on Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, a metaphor for an event that will in all likelihood definitely maybe happen.
Never Split the Difference: How to Negotiate Effectively in 2025
A review of Never Split The Difference, a besteller about the fine art of negotiation by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss.
