An *unfair advantage is that cannot be copied. It’s your unique selling point. Your catalyst. Your differentiator.

consistent smart work x luck x unfair advantage

To succeed in most things in life, this formula can be a good starting point. So even if you think you are an average-ish person, what could be some of your unfair advantages?

⚡️ talking passionately about a problem space

The energy you spread by talking about passionately, bringing new ideas about the project/problem space you are working on — is contagious.

And people, especially leaders, are attracted to that energy.

That energy signals engagement. It signals thoughtful thinking and intrinsic motivation. It signals potential in you and your path.

🤝 leveraging your design manager x product manager

If you are fortunate enough to have a good combo or design and product manager, they could be an ace masterclass for you!

Absorb everything you can on product, strategy, metrics, market, influence and marketing from your product manager. Practice craft, presentation, workshops, documentation with your design manager.

Bring them together in a room to help you make a career plan.

⏳ saving people time

“How can I save this person time?” ask yourself this every time you talk or collaborate with a person.

Save people time and energy, and they tend to like you. And in return, mention you in rooms you aren’t in, for opportunities you never thought you could get!

🫶 showing 10 secs of courage

One of five tweaks that made my life better, this unfair advantage I try to use often.

It’s basically giving yourself permission to be insanely courageous for 10 seconds.

Ask that question in a big group. Hit send on that cold email. Walk up to an exec in the pantry. Send out a newsletter.

Just take a deep breath, and be the person you wish you were for 10 seconds.

✍️ writing

Meeting notes, rationale behind your ideas, case studies, slack messages, journals, emails, notes, tweets, blogs, and newsletters.

Write like your life (partly) depends on it.

Being recognised as a writer of clear, actionable, consistent write-ups is a big unfair advantage.

What would you add to this list? 👀

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Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-smoke-of-a-space-craft-73872/