What is territorial aggression? Is there an evolutionary explanation for why territorial aggression exists? Territorial aggression is an Evolutionarily Stable Strategy (ESS) in which a population of animals aggressively protects their territory and retreats when they enter the territory of another aggressive animal. The strategy is only stable if the whole animal population sticks to it. Read more about the evolutionary need for aggression, including territorial aggression.
Selfish DNA, Sexual Reproduction, and Genetics
Is there such a thing as selfish DNA? How can DNA or genes be selfish and whaat does selfishness have to do with reproduction? According to The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, every behavior in nature can be explained by the concept of selfish DNA. Genes are just trying to copy themselves so behaviors support that goal. Keep reading for more about selfish DNA and how this theory is muddled by modern genetics.
Timing of Feedback: Immediate Means Impactful
When is the best time to offer praise or criticism? Why is the timing of feedback important? The timing of feedback given can drastically affect how impactful it is in future improvements. Radical Candor is all about providing direct and useful guidance without losing your empathy. Keep reading to understand how the timing of feedback is an essential part of a culture of radical candor.
Rupi Kaur: Abuse in Childhood Shaped Poetry
What happened to Rupi Kaur as a child? How did Rupi Kaur’s abuse shape her poetry? For Rupi Kaur, abuse and oppression were a part of her childhood. She was raped by her uncle and silenced by the men around her. These themes are present in her poems in milk and honey. Read more about Rupi Kaur, abuse, and oppression.
Ed Catmull: Education Includes Childhood Interests
Where did Ed Catmull get his education? How did Ed Catmull’s education help him in his role at Pixar? For Ed Catmull, education was drawn from two main sources of inspiration. Albert Einstein, and Walt. Fostering these interests means he was able to learn about problem solving from Einstein and creativity from Disney. Read more about Ed Catmull, his education, and childhood interests.
Ruinous Empathy: When Caring is Ineffective
What is ruinous empathy? How does it compare to radical candor? Ruinous empathy is a type of feedback that results from caring personally, but not challenging directly. Praise and criticism can both fall short in this way. Keep reading to understand more about ruinous empathy and what Radical Candor says about it.
The Selfish Gene Book: Survival Is All About Genes
What is The Selfish Gene book about? How does Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene reframe the purpose of life? According to Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene book, the purpose of life is to ensure the survival of genes. This means that every gene is functioning in a way that is in its own self-interest, hence the term “selfish gene.” Read on for more about The Selfish Gene book and its key points.
Radical Candor Quadrants: What Kind of Boss Are You?
What are the Radical Candor quadrants? What does each category mean? There are four Radical Candor quadrants: ruinous empathy, manipulative insincerity, obnoxious aggression, and radical candor. Each category is based on whether or not a person challenges directly and whether or not they care personally. Keep reading to better understand the Radical Candor quadrants and what they mean.
Gene Selection Theory vs Natural Selection Theory
What is gene selection theory? How does it differ from natural selection and is one a more realistic theory than the other? Natural selection is the well-known theory of evolution that says species with better adaptations for their environment will survive. In contrast, gene selection theory is the idea that behaviors and evolution select for certain genes rather than the species that carry those genes. Read more about gene selection theory, which was supported by Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene.
Leadership Blind Spots: Find Them and Manage Better
What are leadership blind spots? How do these prevent you from being the best manager for your organization? Leadership blind spots are your problem areas that you’re unaware of. Because you don’t know they exist, they’re hard to discover and improve on. Read more about leadership blind spots and how to fix them.