On doing great work

Seth Godin says great education is project-based and self-directed.

I agree. Project-based. Self-directed. Genius.

But what about work? Good work can be systems-based and manager-directed. That’s how we get compliance, predictable outcomes, and scale.

But great work? … Also project-based and self-directed.

The good work needs to happen. But let’s make sure we also make space for great work. From ourselves, and from our teams.

PS — Last week I wrote about why Ami would never choose an ugly dress. I got some good questions about what that means for inclusiveness and diversity. So I think it’s worth clarifying what I mean. I think beauty and ugliness are both subjective, and for me beauty is something that energises me, and ugliness is something that drains.