CM 154: Laura Huang On Finding Your Edge

What happens when you actively shape how you're seen, rather than leaving it to chance? At some point, many of us have felt overlooked, underestimated, or even ignored in our work. We may have responded by putting our heads down and working that much harder, in the hope that someone would finally recognize our talents and skills. Yet working harder can leave us feeling frustrated, especially when our efforts fail to change other people's perceptions. Harvard Business School Professor Laura Huang explains, "A lot of times, we think our hard work is going to speak for itself, but often we find that it doesn't. Even when we've proven ourselves and shown the ability to...provide value...we continue to have to guide the perceptions of others." Laura is author of the book, Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage. In this interview, she explains why we need to shape how others see us. She asserts, "People are perceiving and making attributions...all the time. If you realize...somebody's making an incorrect attribution about you, changing that...is...difficult. It's more difficult than if you...direct [it] from the get go." Laura has been named one of the 40 Best Business School Professors Under the Age of 40. Her work has been featured in The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Nature. Episode Links @LauraHuangLA When Its Okay to Trust Your Gut on a Big Decision Dave Dahl of Dave's Killer Bread Reinforcements: How to Get People to Help You by Heidi Grant If you Liked This Episode, You Might Also Enjoy: Brian Gunia on a Fresh Approach to Negotiation Rob Walker on the Art of Noticing Heidi Grant on the Science of Asking for Help Dan McGinn Performing Under Pressure Andy Molinsky on Overcoming Your Fears Other Places to Find the Show Spotify iTunes Tunein Stitcher Google Play Overcast Host and Producer You can learn more about Curious Minds' Host, Gayle Allen, and Producer and Editor, Rob Mancabelli, here. Simple Ways to Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating Tell a friend or family member about the podcast If you haven't already, please subscribe