The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman

Question 1

According to Ken Coleman, who are the five specific types of people who can help you and who you should try and interact with?

Answer 1

1) professors who know how to do what you want to do and are 1. knowledgeable 2. passionate and 3. push you to grow (pp. 26-27)

2) professionals who are 1. experienced and 2. study other professionals (p. 34) The best professors are able to take complex subject matter and break it down in a simple way that’s easy to understand (p27)

3) mentors who are 1. accomplished, 2. understanding and 3. guide and encourage others in a caring way (p. 50) Who do you know, even as a distant acquaintance, whose professional life reflects the qualities that you want for your own? (p52) a mentor doesn’t have to work in your specific field (p52) look for people who are a generation ahead of you (p53)

4) peers who are 1. motivated, 2. possess shared values, 3. have drive and 4. speak truth (p. 66) They’re the people walking alongside you in the same stage of life, pretty close in economic status and age (p63) If you feel challenged, inspired, and encouraged after bgeing with them, you’ve found the right peers who are driven by intention and purpose (p65)

5) producers who are 1. running things in your dream field, 2. share knowledge, 3. provide connections 4. offer opportunities and give direction (p. 76)

Question 2

The five places you will encounter as you get in proximity to your dream job are:

Answer 2

1. the place where you are
2. a place to learn
3. a place to practice
4. a place to perform
5. a place to grow
6. The Place Where You Are. (p. 96)
7. A Place to Learn. (p. 101)
8. A Place to Practice. (p. 111)
9. A Place to Perform which shows you three things: “1. How to Handle Pressure 2. When to Pivot” and “3. Confirmation” that you are on the right track (p. 133)
10. A Place to Grow. The right environment will have “1. Alignment of Values 2. A Healthy Challenge 3. A Clear Path Forward” (p. 144)

Question 3

The 4 proximity practices that are essential to helping you finish your climb to the summit are:

Answer 3

1) Creating a Web of Connectors. 1. Inform Your Inner Circle 2. Create a Connection To-Do List 3. Connect with the People on Your List” (p. 163)

2) ) Making Your Connections Count. 1. Listen 2. Be Humble 3. Add Value (p. 176)

3) Seizing the Opportunity. Craft a “custom” resume for each job, but remember “producers hire people for jobs – not paper” (p. 183) (p. 188)

4) Adopting a Proximity Mind-set. 1. Know Your Role 2. Accept That Role 3. Maximize Your Role” (p. 193)

Question 4

The Proximity Principle is about finding opportunities to do what you love by doing these two things

Answer 4

1) getting around the right people and 2) being in the right places (pp 5-6)

Question 5

If you want people to help you, you need to be the kind of person people wan to ________

Answer 5

help (p15)

Question 7

Remember this: whatever you focus on, you will _________

Answer 7

feel (p19)

Question 8

What did T.S. Eliot means when he coined the phrase “talent imitates; genius steals”?

Answer 8

1. Study, 2. Imitate, 3. Make it your own

i.e., 1. practice the skills and techniques that others have mastered until you 2. master their work and then 3. make it your own (which is when the “genius” kicks in) (p33)