Learn to Think in Color

Does Meritocracy Reward Talent or Access to the Conditions That Develop It? Why Raw Talent Rarely Wins Alone in a So-Called Meritocracy We like to believe in meritocracy : the idea that effort and talent alone determine success. It’s appealing because it promises fairness and justifies outcomes. But what if the real differentiator isn’t innate talent, but access to the conditions that cultivate it? And what if acknowledging this doesn’t mean abandoning standards, but rather understanding how to identify excellence more accurately? This question cuts to the heart of how we structure schools, jobs, and social systems. By reframing what we mean by “merit,” we open the door to smarter policies and more inclusive definitions of success. If you’ve ever wondered why some people rise faster than others with equal talent, read on. The Myth of the Level Playing Field Meritocracy assumes everyone starts from the same line. But in reality, some are born on the track while others have to build it f...

How Do You Find Errors in Conventional Wisdom? Spotting cracks in “common sense” before they mislead you  Conventional wisdom carries an air of authority, not because it has been proven, but because it has been repeated. From “don’t swim after eating” to “the customer is always right,” we absorb these sayings as unquestionable truths. Yet, many of them are wrong—or at least incomplete. The danger is that by blindly following conventional wisdom, we risk acting on myths instead of evidence. To find errors in conventional wisdom, you need tools of critical thinking: questioning assumptions, testing claims, and seeking out blind spots. This isn’t about being contrarian for its own sake—it’s about sharpening judgment so you can separate timeless wisdom from misguided advice. Why Conventional Wisdom Can Mislead Conventional wisdom often works like a shortcut. It saves us from overthinking, but shortcuts can send us in the wrong direction. It lingers after conditions change.  Margar...

How can I consistently stand out in a crowded professional landscape and attract the right opportunities? Be Unmistakable: Crafting Your Signature Presence in a Sea of Sameness In today’s noisy professional world, standing out isn’t about being louder—it’s about being  clearer . The question isn’t just how to get noticed, but how to attract the right kind of attention. This starts with deeply understanding what makes you valuable, then consistently communicating that value with intention. In this post, we unpack strategies to build a standout professional presence that not only draws attention but also aligns with meaningful opportunities. Understand What Makes You Different (and Valuable) The first step in attracting the right opportunities is clarifying your unique value proposition. Think of it as your professional DNA—what are the distinct strengths, perspectives, and results you bring that others can’t easily replicate? Ask yourself: What do people consistently come to me for?...

How Can You Use SWOT analysis to improve your business strategy? From Analysis to Action SWOT analysis often gets dismissed as “Strategy 101″—a basic framework that produces generic insights and dusty reports. But when wielded strategically, SWOT becomes a dynamic engine for competitive advantage. The difference lies not in the tool itself, but in how you use it to surface hidden patterns, challenge assumptions, and create actionable strategies that competitors can’t easily replicate. Beyond the Basics: What SWOT Really Reveals Traditional SWOT focuses on cataloging obvious facts. Strategic SWOT uncovers the relationships between these elements and their implications for your unique competitive position. Strengths  aren’t just what you do well—they’re capabilities that are valuable, rare, and difficult for competitors to imitate. Ask: “What can we do that others cannot easily replicate, and why does it matter to customers?” Weaknesses  aren’t just shortcomings—they’re gaps tha...