Let’s look at disadvantage situations with a fresh
perspective - this thought crossed my mind after reading David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. Normally, we get deluded
by advantages and avoid disadvantage positions, but if one reads this book it
will encourage pursuing ‘desirable
difficulties’.
Vivek Ranadive example sets the tone of the book. A
businessman and techie, who digitized Wall Street, decide to coach his daughter
in basket ball and her team goes on to win the national championships. Since he was
an underdog and misfit he attempted something new. Certainly a must read
chapter – the advantages of disadvantages
(and the disadvantages of advantages)
I liked the author’s viewpoint on parenting, classroom size,
children with dyslexia and upbringing in adverse conditions. As a parent, we
all strive to provide resources – how much wealth is important to grow children?
At what point wealth starts to negatively impact well-adjusted children. He
gives many examples to explain- excess wealth goes against good parenting. These
children may end up as Goliaths later
in life. Parents who have excess ought
to ponder this point – how much less?
On a lighter side for an Indian middle class person – the
answer to this question on how much
wealth is important to grow children? - It’s always more… J . Five days of the week we expend all our time
and energy to make ends meet. Wealth is very important to provide consistent
love and attention for a healthy atmosphere at home. The key question the author is
asking – at what point does money stops making a difference?
You wouldn't wish dyslexia on your child. Or would you? This
chapter on theory of desirable difficulty
is the best part of this book. An extraordinarily high number of successful
entrepreneurs were dyslexic. His interpretations
as to why people with dyslexia thrive are remarkable. His example on Gary Cohn- President of Goldman Sachs is sharp. He goes on to explain geniuses are those
who grow up in adverse conditions. After reading this section I felt – there
are many talents in each one of us which we aren't aware, and some situations
ignite these, but most of us don’t step-up.
Author’s viewpoint on Big Fish-Little Pond, Little Fish-Big
Pond is very energizing. His findings on relationship between number of
children in a classroom and academic performance are insightful. We all spend lot of time debating, pondering
on student class size – too small doesn't help. I felt this theory can be
extended to our corporate career. Which pond do we want to be in?
What’s missing in this book? – I would have loved to know
author’s opinion on David vs. Goliath in the corporate world.
