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Are you Lucky?
Luck? Hard Work? Or Both?
By Bill McBride
Over the years, I’ve found myself fascinated by social/economic books—those of the Outliers, Tipping Point, and Super Freakonomics genre—which involve a conversation about talent, timing, and luck. My question: Is success the result of luck or hard work?
While it’s true that much of life involves chance events—things that are out of our control—I think the importance people place on luck, or the lack of it, speaks volumes about their general outlook.
Several years ago, my friend, industry veteran Mitch Wald, suggested using the “luck” question in job interviews, so I began to ask candidates, “Are you lucky?”
The range of answers I’ve received has been very interesting. Some say, “I make my own luck.” Others flat-out remark, “Yes, I’m lucky!” And still others say, “No, I’m not lucky at all.”
What’s surprising is that all these responses have come from very competent individuals.
Many years ago, another friend, Chuck Runyon, the co-founder of Anytime Fitness, posed a variant to the question:
“How much of one’s life is luck vs. hard work … as a percentage?”
I believe that luck is real; good and bad things happen, regardless of what we do. However, I also believe in “mastery.” Spending 10,000 hours of preparation in your area of expertise often yields a winning performance.
Relying solely on luck diminishes your ability to be ready when something fortunate occurs, since you won’t be able to maximize the opportunity involved; you won’t be prepared to give it your best. And believing that you make 100% of your own luck is simply an illusion of control and very dangerous.
So, what’s the best answer?
Richard Wiseman, who holds Britain’s only professorship in the field of public understanding of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, in Hatfield, where he researches luck, self-help, illusion, and persuasion, says that lucky people are just much more open to possibilities. “Unlucky people are stuck in routines and are afraid to take chances when opportunities present themselves,” he explains.
Sometimes, luck consists of just looking for and expecting the good.
And we’ve all heard the famous quote that’s been attributed to Seneca, the ancient Roman philosopher and dramatist: “Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
It sounds like a 50/50 proposition to me.
A Must-Read for Ted Lasso Fans
Are you ready for another book review? Here is my take on my latest read, “Lead It Like Lasso,” by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio. This book is an ingenious blend of the captivating world of television with the realms of leadership, offering readers a refreshing perspective inspired by the popular show “Lasso.” With the perfect blend of humor and wisdom, the authors navigate through the intricate dynamics of effective leadership, drawing parallels from the endearing characters and compelling narratives of the series. As fans of the show themselves, Stockman and Coniglio infuse their exploration with genuine passion and enthusiasm, making it an engaging journey for readers, whether they’re familiar with “Lasso” or not. Through their unique lens, they invite readers to glean insights from the show’s memorable moments and apply them to real-world leadership scenarios, creating a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and enlightening.
Here are a few of the most impactful “Lasso Lessons” I took away.
Embrace Positivity: The book underscores the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in leadership, drawing parallels from the upbeat demeanor of the characters in “Lasso.” Positivity not only fosters a conducive work environment but also enhances team morale and productivity.
Lead with Empathy: Stockman and Coniglio emphasize the significance of empathy in leadership, mirroring the empathetic approach depicted by the protagonist in the show. Understanding and acknowledging the perspectives of team members cultivate trust and camaraderie within the organization.
Foster Collaboration: Through anecdotes and examples, the authors highlight the value of collaboration in achieving collective goals. Just as the characters in “Lasso” work together harmoniously despite their differences, effective leaders encourage collaboration and teamwork among their teams.
Prioritize Communication: Clear and open communication serves as a cornerstone of effective leadership, a principle underscored throughout the book. Drawing inspiration from the characters’ candid conversations in “Lasso,” Stockman and Coniglio advocate for transparent communication to mitigate misunderstandings and foster transparency.
Embrace Adaptability: The dynamic nature of leadership requires adaptability, a lesson echoed in both the book and the show. Leaders must be prepared to pivot and innovate in response to changing circumstances, mirroring the characters’ resilience and flexibility in “Lasso.”
While “Lead It Like Lasso” may not introduce entirely novel concepts, it offers valuable reminders packaged in a delightful and accessible format. Fans of the show will appreciate the fun references and relatable anecdotes woven throughout the book. However, even for those unfamiliar with “Lasso,” the book serves as an engaging primer on essential leadership principles. If you haven’t watched the show yet, consider this book an invitation to immerse yourself in its charm and wisdom.
Vice President of Communication and Leadership Engagement at IHRSA
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