Journalist David Epstein looked at athletes, musicians, scientists and inventors and found many who tried lots of things before they found their field. His point: in areas with clear rules and quick feedback, like chess or golf, early focus pays off. In most jobs, where problems are messy and change often, broad experience and a later start can be a real advantage.
The chapter on thinking in analogies is a favorite of ours. People who know several fields can borrow a solution from one area and use it in another.
Talent Takeaway
It reminds us to value the detours in people's careers. When you plan someone's development, consider a project outside their usual field, a rotation or a mentor from a different area. And when a team is stuck, it can help to ask: Where else has someone solved a problem like this?
Our Take
A fresh look at careers and learning, full of wonderful stories. It pairs well with Peak: together they show how focused practice and broad experience both help people grow.
Epstein, D. (2019). Range: Why generalists triumph in a specialized world. Riverhead Books. Find it