Recently, I was asked by the leader of the CI (Competitive Intelligence) Fellows to do a five-minute “what is the old ‘retired’ corporate intelligence guy doing now?”
During this chat, I was asked about skills and things younger/new people in CI should know since I am someone who has worked across the spectrum—CIA, corporate competitive intel, as a consultant, and educator.
Sitting back afterward, I wondered if I was using these lifetime of learned skills now that I am an author. Are there some overlapping fundamental skills? Let me focus on two that also overlap, as I sit here alone trying to write this blog for you to read.
Both require living as an introvert and an extrovert.
Intelligence is a solo profession. Working alone is a core personal characteristic of intelligence—depending upon your circumstances, of course. The feeling of being in it alone—you can’t talk to many on the inside, and certainly no one on the outside—is a challenge. Self-motivation is required.
When I was new to the CIA, I was given a project with a big budget and limited time and told to get it done. No outline. No nothing. I was left alone to do what was needed. In essence, a blank piece of paper. Could I be creative in my solution? Yes. Could I ask for advice? Perhaps. But NO ONE had ever done what I was told to do. I was given a task—complete it. Likely, no one could assist me. Few, if anyone, knew what I should do. So, the way forward was to keep focused. Success was not guaranteed, and I may never know the real impact, but that was irrelevant.
What did I do? My best.
Writing can be just as lonely. It is you, alone with your thoughts, in a quiet location, with something to write on, and…that’s about it. No one is standing over your shoulder shouting, “keep going.” “Way to go.” “You are brilliant.” It is a challenging mental process with endless obstacles that only you can overcome. Yes, you can read and wade through resources, but when it comes to the actual creation of your book—it is all on you.
What do you do? Your best.
On the flip side, intelligence requires being outgoing. To complete the project above, I ultimately had to build person-to-person relationships, make connections, and get out in the field. It was my only chance at success. That required communication and interpersonal skills. It required practice. Some people want to help. Others didn’t. FYI: I was successful…basically.
Writing is communicating—it is what authors do. We communicate our stories as best we can with unknown readers. Therefore, connecting with peers and readers is critical. When do you reach out for assistance? How do you connect, and with whom? Keeping up these connections is hard, but it must be a priority.
Communicating is a skill that needs to be practiced regularly. You might try to have a writing schedule. Do you have a reach-out plan? Have you built some ‘trusted’ contacts where advice can be asked and answered? Perhaps you have an agent or someone you share your work with for feedback. It is give and take. You are asking for help, avoiding the urge to say “yes, but…” and instead, listening and learning. Strengthening relationships.
All this is to remind me to be better at doing the hard things now as a writer, as I was then working in intelligence. Working alone, in the short term, for extended periods knowing tangible rewards will be few. Doing this, while also needing to explore the work of peers. To be part of a community.
When I left the Agency, my wife said the comment I made the most was that I could now be part of a community. I can join things and participate for enjoyment.
I enjoy being part of the writing community…it is the writing part that drives me crazy!