Feynman Technique

Hey there,

Welcome to Week 17 of TechExec - the newsletter that turbocharges your growth to become a Tech Executive!

So, the second episode of the Careers Not Ladders podcast is out. As I said last week, this is where I interview people who I personally admire, who have had tremendous non-traditional careers, and who are out there doing incredible stuff in life and positively affecting society. Amrit Jalan headlines the second episode, and you've got to check out him describing his career thus far. The YouTube link is below. Consider subscribing to the YouTube channel and liking and/or commenting on this video😄.

As always, we are sharing a new set of BLTs this week

• 💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

• 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

• 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

Here is the schedule:

Monday —>💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

Wednesday —> 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

Friday —> 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

This week we covered Gift Cards on Monday, and we will cover Gamification on Friday.

Today’s lifestyle advice is on the Feynman Technique!

💼 L - Feynman Technique

Having read so many editions of TechExec, you must know how much I love memes. I came across a hilarious one many years ago that had a kid “absorbing” the knowledge from his book.

Wouldn't it be cool if it actually worked? Well, unfortunately, it doesn’t. But here is something that actually works: the Feynman Technique. Developed by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, this method is so simple yet profound that it might just be the key to unlocking unlimited knowledge.

So, how does it work? Well, let me explain. The Feynman Technique is based on the premise that if you can't explain something in simple terms, then you don't really understand it. TBH, his exact quote was:

Simple, isn’t it? But don’t be fooled by its simplicity; this technique requires some serious brain gymnastics.

Step one: pick a topic you want to understand and start studying it. Seems pretty standard, right? Hold onto your hats, because step two is where things get spicy. Once you think you've got a decent grasp on the subject, explain it, as if you were teaching it to someone else. And here’s the kicker, explain it in the simplest language possible, like you're talking to a five-year-old or your slightly confused grandparent.

By doing this, you'll quickly realize where the gaps in your knowledge are. The places where your explanations become convoluted or vague are the areas that need more attention. Feynman's technique is like a searchlight shining on your ignorance. It’s brutal but effective.

Step three involves going back to the source material or seeking out additional information until you can explain these difficult areas simply and confidently. Step four? Rinse and repeat until you become the master of your chosen topic.

Now, you might be thinking, "But I'm not planning on becoming a teacher. Why do I need to explain things?" Well, explanation is not just about teaching others, it’s about solidifying your own understanding. It’s about wresting knowledge from the clutches of confusion and making it your own.

Personally, I have tweaked the Feynman technique for my own purposes. Instead of explaining to others, I tend to write a short article on the topic I want to learn about. Occasionally, I try to explain things using flow or process charts while minimizing the text. If you have more time on your hands, maybe try delivering a presentation or making a YouTube video!

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Until next time!

Gaurav