What to Read: Deep Work by Cal Newport
Those in the learning and development field are often keen readers on a variety of topics. Our facilitators and team members are as well. In our new series, “What to Read,” we will share some books and resources that we’ve found to be valuable.
This issue of “What to Read” begins with Cal Newport’s book, Deep Work.
A book about building high-value work in yourself and others
Quote
The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly RARE at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly VALUABLE in our economy. As a consequence, the few who cultivate this skill, and then make it the core of their working life, will thrive.
From Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Summary
The author defines deep work as “the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.” It’s a skill that allows individuals to quickly master complicated information and produce meaningful results—especially solving problems and being creative.
Throughout the book, the author shares ideas on how to monitor and adjust individual working style in order to perform more and better ‘deep work’ as opposed to ‘shallow work’ or the “logistical-style tasks, often performed while distracted.” Shallow work tends not to create much new value and is easy to replicate.
Our Key Takeaways
Two of the reasons that deep work is considered to be so valuable are because it allows individuals to (1) quickly learn hard things, and (2) produce at an elite level.
For those of us focused on the development of talent, these are two important goals we have for leaders and others in our organization. Additionally, we are often stretched for time and resources ourselves—so working deeply has the added benefit of helping us produce in our HR and talent roles.
Visit the author’s website to learn more.
