David and Goliath-Malcolm Gladwell

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.