We continued reviewing the book Rookie Smarts by Liz Wizeman. We read the description of the different kinds of the Rookie smart mindset which included the backpacker, the hunter-gatherer, the firewalker and the pioneer. The author notes that this does not eliminate the role played by a savvy veteran mindset. And that we could toggle between the latter and the former in unclear murky situations and changing times respectively. This she notes is the perpetual rookie mode.

Let us take a look at these mindsets in more detail.  The backpackers  are the ones who see new possibilities and explore new terrain. Like a hiker who trudes obviously past a snake lying quietly in the bush, rookies simply walk past the obstacles they don’t see and because they don’t know what they are supposed to be looking for, they can end up seeing what others fail to notice. They ask fundamental questions because they are unencumbered by rules and rituals. They see patterns and logical flaws in conventional wisdom with pattern recognition. They explore new terrain by taking shorter paths, making bigger asks, and acting erratically.  They act wholeheartedly because without reputation, rookies can operate without ego or fear of falling. They act boldly and recover quickly and they work passionately.

The hunter-gatherer emphasize the outward venturing forth, harvesting game and foraging for resources  to bring back to the tribe. They scan the environment, connect the dots and in this hunger mode, they seek out experts to teach and guide them. Seeking out experts is such a trait that if you ask a smart rookie, you get access to a team of experts. They also mobilize ideas and resources. In complex environment, winning organizations tap into the greatest number of brains. Crowdsourcing is growing as a viable and efficient alternative to in-house or expert  led solutions to complex problems.

The firewalkers demonstrate a trait that’s both cautious and quick. They see a glaring gaping hole between what they have previously done and what they must now do. They don’t necessarily lack self-confidence. The author says this rookie’s anxiety is not the clinical kind but a productive paranoia and an urge to break out of the comfort zone. Their way is to take small calculated steps by testing the waters. Since she operates in the dark, she minimizes the risk. Rookies use every available sense to navigate the way and they calibrate their movements to minimize the risks. They deliver  quickly and tend to operate in bursts.They sometimes get off track. They solve problems quickly but doesn’t mean they know which problems are the most important. They seek feedback and coaching. In fact smart managers provide continuous stream of feedback and regularly receive vital information. These rookies lack confidence but with the feedback, they translate it to intelligence.

The pioneers are the last in the different categories enumerated by the author. Their practice involves building new tools and structures because they are in a perpetual survival mode. They improvise because they didn’t have the resources or the skills they need. They work relentlessly because they lack another choice  and are motivated to push forward.

Finally the author calls out that a perpetual rookie is one who is curious, humble playful and deliberate. She takes each of these qualities into consideration as how it contributes to the rookie smarts. Some of this is straightforward but what the author shows us is that even when we are not a rookie and we exercise these traits, we see the results brought about. The rookie revival as she calls is about learning to relearn.

At a personal level, organizational level and a team level, we can utilize the rookie smarts.

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