Should you focus on learning the basics or developing creativity?

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Putting the learning basic knowledge against the development of creative thinking is a false choice. Both need to be cultivated. The stronger one's knowledge about the subject hand, the more nuanced one's creativity can be in addressing a new problem. Just as knowledge amounts to little without the exercise of ingenuity and imagination, creativity absent a sturdy foundation of knowledge builds a shaky house.

Peter C. Brown and Henry L. Roediger III, Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Gaining new Perspective by unfocusing

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Truly successful people don’t come up with great ideas through focus alone. They are successful because they make time to not concentrate and to engage in a broad array of activities like playing golf. As a consequence, they think inventively and are profoundly creative: they develop innovative solutions to problems and connect dots in brilliant ways.

In a time and age when everyone is over-scheduled and over-focused, creativity is more and more prized— it’s the key to your effectiveness and success, in life and in business.

Experts suggest that the key to being idle or to unfocusing is to diversify our activities rather than being constantly focused on a single task. To get a new perspective on something, we actually need to disengage from it. We can diversify in two ways: through mindless tasks or through a broader set of experiences.

Stanford psychologist Emma Seppälä writing in the Washington Post

Technology & the Ability to Focus

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There are two schools of thought on attention. The first argues that we haven’t lost our ability to focus, it has been wrested, even “stolen”, from us by technology. In this view we’re little more than lab rats lured by notifications and algorithms, pings and dings in a large-scale social experiment. We may develop strategies for resisting those dopamine dispensers, such as blocking software or switching to a “brick phone”. But the game is rigged against us.

Those in the second camp may scoff at this: they maintain that most of our struggles with focus are more to do with self-control. There is no notification that can distract us unless we are on some level willing to be distracted. Even the notion of a “shorter attention span” may provoke skepticism.

Instead, could it be that you’re just not that motivated? Whichever worldview you subscribe to – that our attention has been hijacked by our devices, or by our lack of self-discipline – they share an element of fatalism: there is either little you can do, or you’re just not doing enough. 

Elle Hunt writing in The Guardian

Our Brains Trick Us

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The futures we imagine contain some details that our brains invented and lack some details that our brains ignored. The problem is that our brains fill in and leave out. God help us if they didn’t.

No, the problem is that they do this so well that we aren’t aware it is happening. As such, we tend to accept the brain’s products uncritically and expect the future to unfold with the details—and with only the details—that the brain has imagined. One of imagination’s shortcomings, then, is that it takes liberties without telling us it has done so.

Daniel Gilbert, Stumbling on Happiness

9 free media & journalism webinars this week

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Tue, Feb 7 - Tell a More Engaging Brand Story: Get Your Message Heard With Better Data

What: In 2023, brands that thrive will focus on keeping pace with consumers and meeting their dynamic expectations. That means easily identifying and connecting with your target audiences with insightful stories and rich “characters” based on who your customers truly are and what matters to them today. The key? AI-powered data.  Discover the best methods to leverage real-time data to weave compelling storylines that drive growth.

Who: Ericka Podesta McCoy, CMO Resonate. Ericka is a global marketing executive experienced in building brands, facilitating growth and driving revenue in the high-tech, telecom, manufacturing, energy and hospitality sectors across North America, Europe and Asia.  

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Resonate

More info

 

Tue, Feb 7 - Make Your Resume Shine

What: The panelists will share their best practices and advice for telling your professional story through your resume, with plenty of time dedicated to attendee questions. Whether you’re looking to get your first job or a seasoned executive wondering how to pivot, you’ll leave this session with ideas to make your resume shine.

Who: Join Lynette Clemetson, Director of Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan, and Adriana Lacy, founder of Journalism Mentors, and leading network television news executive Leonor Ayala Polley.

When: 12 noon, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Online News Association

More info

 

Tue, Feb 7 - Crash Course: Science Essentials for Local Reporters

What: The hosts will lay out key do’s, don’ts, and pitfalls to watch for when including science in your news reporting, including: Knowing whether and how science can enhance your story; Different kinds of studies and what each can—and cannot—reveal; Practical tips for identifying credible scientist-sources and interviewing them; and How to get the essentials from scientific reports, studies, and press releases.

Who: Former longtime Washington Post science reporter Rick Weiss and Ph.D. neuroscientist Dr. Tori Fosheim

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Society of Environmental Journalists

More info

 

Wed, Feb 8 - Become a Foreign Correspondent

What: A panel of three accomplished journalists will share their experiences and advice for students and young professionals eager to embark on a career in international reporting.

Who: Ilene Prusher, former correspondent and bureau chief for The Christian Science Monitor; Nomi Morris, former correspondent in Berlin for TIME and others, as well as Middle East Bureau chief for Knight Ridder Newspapers, based in Jerusalem; Deni Chamberlin, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer who covered the fall of communism in Eastern Europe for TIME, The New York Times Magazine and other publications.

When: 5 pm, Pacific

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Institute for Education in International Media

More info

 

Wed, Feb 8 - Navigating newsgathering in the deadliest country for journalists

What: A discussion of investigations into missing people, enforced disappearances, massacres of migrants, and mass graves in Mexico.

Who: Marcela Turati Muñoz, Mexican freelance investigative journalist

When: 13:00 - 14:00

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Reuters Institute

More info

 

Wed, Feb 8 - Building Nonprofit Brands that Matter

What: Creative strategies on how brands work for advocacy and cause-related marketing. Behind every successful nonprofit is a brand personality that matters. In this 30-minute workshop, we look at the key steps to build a new brand or refresh a legacy brand to improve the relationship with your supporters. This workshop will also explore how to harness the power of your brand to connect to your key supporters, as well as how to retain the loyalty of long-term supporters while building the groundwork for the next generation.

Who: David Langton, Langton Creative Group

When: 8 pm, Pacific

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Nonprofit Learning Labs

More info

 

Wed, Feb 8 - Next level podcasting

What: If you want to move beyond "two-mates-and-a-mic" podcasts and create audio storytelling that is compelling, immersive and impactful ... this masterclass is for you. The host will discuss podcast structures and conceits; explore sound design and techiques that hook in listeners and keep them engaged; and reveal how to pitch ideas successfully to commissioners at the biggest podcast networks.

Who: Craig has 20 years of experience creating audio documentaries and longform content for the BBC, the Economist, the RSA among many others. He has produced podcast series for Pink Floyd, Oasis, and Joy Division/New Order.

When: 12:30 pm

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: The Civic Journalism Lab at Newcastle University

More info

 

Wed, Feb 8 - Advanced Infographics

What: In this fast-paced session, learn to turn words and ideas into clear, compelling infographics. Get curated inspiration and step-by-step instructions. Lastly, discover tools and techniques to render your new infographics. Turn words and ideas into engaging infographics—quickly Get your infographics right the first time Improve understanding, recollection, and adoption Get the tools the pros use

Who: Mike Parkinson Author, Owner, Billion Dollar Graphics. Mike is one of 34 Microsoft PowerPoint MVPs in the World and is an APMP CPP Fellow. He regularly conducts workshops and creates graphics, presentations, and content for companies like Microsoft, FedEx, Pfizer, Xerox, Dell, Subaru, and Boeing as well as at learning institutions.

When: 12 pm, Pacific

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Billion Dollar Graphics

More info

 

Fri, Feb 10 - Trauma-Informed Journalism

What: Hear advice from experts in survivor advocacy and trauma-informed journalism on how to bring trauma-informed approaches into your work. 

Who: Lisa Armstrong, UC Berkeley Professor and DART Trainer; Naseem Miller, Senior Health Editor, The Journalist's Resource; Amrita Doshi, Co-Founder & Executive Director, South Asian SOAR; Moderated by: Leslie Rangel, Founder, The News Yogi

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: The Institute for Independent Journalists

More info

20 Tips for (soon-to-be) Job-hunting College Students

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Ask yourself: Am I keeping myself physically, psychologically, and spiritually healthy? If the answer is ‘no’ then stop looking for new ways to feel guilty and allow yourself to breathe. Give time to self-care. Don’t pile more on top of yourself when you are already sliding backward. Secondly, are there members of your family in need of support? Make that your next priority.  

If those areas are in good shape, below are some steps to consider for the best career launch when the cloud lifts and you can move forward. Take them with a grain of salt. Avoid comparing yourself to others and ask what is reasonable for you to do, given your time and situation. Think of this as a “choose your adventure” exercise. Set attainable goals for a sense of control in a moment of change.

1. Update your resume: No mistakes, and it must be easy to scan. Have you included your social media? Every employer will check your social media and Google you. You should do that yourself. You’ll find more specific resume recommendations here.

2. Speaking of social: Give yourself a social media makeover. Look for inappropriate or unfocused tweets, posts, and Instagram stories, then reconsider your privacy settings, clearly define your audience, etc. I’ll send you a list of a dozen ways to give yourself a fresh look if you email me.  Don’t forget LinkedIn (if your industry uses it).

3. Reverse engineer your career: Look up jobs that interest you and see what’s missing from your resume or needs shoring up. What can you do now, before you leave school? What equipment do you have access to now that you won’t have access to later? Perhaps there are holes in your knowledge of software commonly used in your field. Get up to speed on professional programs like Excel, InDesign, or Premiere Pro.

4. Gather all your supporting materials now so you aren’t scrambling when a prospective employee asks for various kinds of writing samples. Do you have recommendation letters, headshots, thank you notes, etc.? 

5. Work on your elevator pitch. Create a compelling speech about your professional life that lasts no more than 15 seconds. Pick up some ideas about this personal branding exercise here. Try your pitch on others for feedback. 

6. Create a list of job sites you will visit once a week. Start with Indeed and look for lists (often in social media) produced by groups dedicated to your industry. FYI: Your first job or two is not a lifelong commitment. Your path is likely to be circuitous. Aim at moving in the right general direction rather than getting there in one big leap.

7. Create Google alerts to bring you articles from Google News related to your industry by using keywords. Stay on top of the trends and barriers it faces.  Pro tip: Set a Google alert on your name, so you’ll know when someone has posted something about you online.

8. Try some mock interviews with friends. They can grab some typical questions off of the internet to throw at you. Better yet, Zoom it because your next job interview might be a video conference. Do you come across professionally? Flattering lighting? Easy to hear? Camera at eye level?

9. Are there contests offered by professional organizations in your field for which you could submit entries? Pick two or three of these organizations to join.

10. Be ready to answer in a job interview, “What new skills are you learning between semesters or during the self-quarantine of the pandemic?” Show that you use your time wisely.

11. Develop more life skills. If you haven’t already done so, put effort into learning to cook, doing your own laundry, etc. Try Googling, “What college students should be able to do on their own.” 

12. Educate yourself on your student loans. When are you supposed to start paying it off? Do You have deferral options?  

13. Cut costs and budget. Where can you stop spending? If you don’t have a budget, make one—even if it is just a projected one. Know where your money is going. How much money can you spend on job hunting?

14. Work on a nonprofit. You can help others while developing your specialized skills in just a few hours a week.  

15. Read articles about job hunting. You’ll find many on my site Goforth Job Tips. Start with the career advice articles and move on to those about resumes and interviews.  

16. You’ll find a list of hundreds of “tech tools” here. Learn a few digital tricks to set yourself apart. Play around. See what’s out there that can make your life easier. A place to start: Pick a platform (like Wix) to create a website that will house projects you’ve completed showing what you can do.

17. While building a website, buy your own domain name. Mine is www.StephenGoforth.com. It’s easy to do at places like GoDaddy.

18. Pick up some books (online or physical) and listen to some podcasts that either distract you for a few moments and fire your imagination or else educate you about your chosen field. Pro tip: connect with someone who does hiring in your industry and ask for reading/listening recommendations.  

19. Contact professionals for advice on what you should be doing. Don’t ask for a job—ask them to have a cup of coffee with you (by video conference, of course) and then ask questions and listen. Ask your professors who they would recommend you seek out—then ask the same question each time you finish having coffee with a pro.  

20. Attend webinars offered by professional groups in your field. Joining online events is a way to add a line to your resume while learning a few things.  

Finally, don’t try to take on everything at once. Focus on what you can do today; just that one step in front of you.

 

15 Data Science Articles from Jan 2023

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Bosses: Don’t be Jerks

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After decades of being bossed, and 16 years of bossing, I’ve developed a prime directive for bosses which will probably not be taught at Harvard Business School: Don’t be a jerk. Organizations need hierarchies and leadership, so yes, you get to call some shots. You can be tough and demanding. But remember that your authority over other human beings is an artificial construct. You are not better than the people working for you. Fire people if you must, but humiliate no one. Be kind. Granted, many bosses don’t operate this way, and I can understand why women in positions of power want the right to be as obnoxious and tyrannical as their male counterparts. But wouldn’t it be better still if no boss could get away with acting like a jerk?

William Falk writing in The Week Magazine

Imagination inflation can lead to false memories

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Imagination inflation refers to the tendency of people who, when asked to imagine an event vividly, will sometimes begin to believe, when asked about it later, that the event actually occurred. Adults who were asked "Did you ever break a window with your hand?" were more likely on a later life inventory to report that they believe this event occurred during their lifetimes. It seems that asking the question led them to imagine the event, and the act of having imagined it had the effect, later, of making them more likely to think it had occurred (relative to other group answer the question not having previously imagined it occurring).

Accounts that sound familiar can create the feeling of knowing and be mistaken for true. This is one reason that political or advertising claims that are not factual but are repeated can gain traction with the public, particularly if they have emotional resonance. Something you once heard that you hear again later carries a warmth of familiarity that can be mistaken for memory, a shred of something you once knew and cannot quite place but are inclined to believe. In the world propaganda, this is called "the big lie" technique—even a big lie told repeatedly can come to be accepted as truth.

Peter C. Brown and Henry L. Roediger III, Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

Great Leaders vs Managers

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Great leaders aren't always the most likable people. In the long run, great leaders recognize that their job is to get people to do things they might not want to do, in order to achieve goals they want to achieve.  Contrast that with "mere managers," who either want to be liked or try to convince themselves that they don't care. Great leaders know that cordiality is necessary, but also that they might sometimes have to sacrifice short-term likability in favor of long-term respect. 

Bill Murphy Jr. writing in the Understandably newsletter

By Our Love

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In a 2021 sermon, controversial pastor Matt Chandler called leaving the faith “some sexy thing to do.” He denounced the process of critiquing one’s childhood faith, saying, “If you ever experienced the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, actually, that’s really impossible to deconstruct from. But if Christianity is just a moral compass, I totally get it.” 

Ultimately, Chandler and those who follow his teachings are wrong: Christianity isn’t losing followers because leaving is “some sexy thing to do.” It comes down to how people are being treated, specifically marginalized communities.

Brandon Flanery writing in Baptist News

When we use depression as an excuse

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We often use depression as an excuse for not doing something we don’t want to do or afraid to do. When someone suggests that we go ahead and do whatever we are trying to avoid, we usually agree and say, “I think you’re right, but I’m just to upset right now to do it.” For example, your company is downsizing and you lose a good job through no fault of your own. You tell me what happened and how depressed you are. I try not to pay much attention to your depressing. Instead, I say, “I know it’s hard, but don’t sit around; get out your resume.”

But you are depressing for a good reason. You have just been laid off and feel rejected, even though it was not your fault. You are afraid of another rejection, of facing the fact that there may be no good jobs for you at your age and with your experience. As painful as depressing is, it’s less painful at this time than looking for job and getting rejected again and again.

William Glasser, Choice Theory

A Digital Generation Gap

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An international 2018 study that measured eighth-graders’ “capacities to use information and computer technologies productively” proclaimed that just 2 percent of Gen Z had achieved the highest “digital native” tier of computer literacy. “Our students are in deep trouble,” one educator wrote. But the issue is likely not that modern students are learning fewer digital skills, but rather that they’re learning different ones. 

Nicolás Guarín-Zapata, an applied physicist and lecturer at Colombia’s Universidad EAFIT, for all his knowledge of directory structure, doesn’t understand Instagram nearly as well as his students do, despite having had an account for a year. He’s had students try to explain the app in detail, but “I still can’t figure it out,” he complains. “They use a computer one way, and we use a computer another way,” Guarin-Zapata emphasizes.  

Monica Chin writing for The Verge