Imagine us huddled around a screen, engrossed in the riveting movie "Slumdog Millionaire." Our protagonist, with a kaleidoscope of experiences, wins a game show, even though that was never his target.

It's an intriguing storyline, isn't it? But here's the kicker - this phenomenon isn't just limited to cinema. It can be the blueprint for our career progression!

Today, I want to unveil a potent concept that has played a starring role in my own career - a journey that traversed the lanes of engineering, product development, strategy, finance, sales support, and executive leadership across diverse industries such as automobiles, cosmetics, medical devices, advertising, and education.

Intrigued? Let's delve into the concept of 'Obliquity.'

The paths we tread in our careers are seldom linear. Sometimes, the quickest route from point A to point B isn't a straight line, but rather a Brachistochrone curve - or as the Beatles melodiously put it, "The Long and Winding Road."

Obliquity, a fascinating concept pioneered by economist John Kay, posits that our most ambitious and meaningful goals often find fruition indirectly.

This idea resonates in the wisdom of several thought leaders.

Simon Sinek, in "The Infinite Game," champions the 'infinite mindset,' a tenet of valuing resilience and long-term vision.

Peter Senge's "The Fifth Discipline" promotes the concept of the 'learning organization' - adaptable and constantly evolving.

Robert Greene's "Mastery" underscores the importance of diverse experiences and learning from failures to achieve mastery - all echoing the power of obliquity.

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How did obliquity weave its magic in my career?

Starting in engineering in the automobile industry, I staged and analyzed crash tests, deciphering the relationship between design and safety.

This knowledge became instrumental when I transitioned to product development, focusing on customer needs and safety regulations.

Moving to strategy and finance in the same industry, I brought technical insights and a customer-centric mindset to strategic and financial decisions.

This experience, combined with the drive to explore new frontiers, took me to the cosmetics & direct selling industry, where I led finance and sales support.

A return to finance in the medical device and advertising industries further honed my strategic and financial acumen.

The culmination of this winding journey was my role as a Global CFO for a public Japanese company in the education industry.

Each twist and turn, every role, added another facet to my career, shaping me as a leader.

Now, as an executive coach, and also a professor of leadership at a Japanese university, I draw from this rich tapestry of experiences, using my oblique path to guide and inspire others.

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How can we harness the power of obliquity in our careers?

1. 🎵 Embrace the Journey: Each role, each project, is an opportunity to grow and learn.

2. 🌱 Cultivate Flexibility: Adaptability is critical in our dynamic professional landscapes.

3. 🔍 Focus on the Process: Value the journey - the experiences and learnings - as much as the destination.

4. ⏳ Be Patient: Remarkable careers aren't built overnight. Trust the process and be patient.

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When setting career aspirations, an oblique approach could mean focusing on broader, flexible goals instead of rigid, specific ones. Strive for skills and roles that will make you a leader, no matter the industry.

Equip yourself with tools to apply obliquity effectively:

🔮 Scenario Planning: Prepare for a range of possibilities and embrace uncertainty.

🗺️ Mind Mapping: Visualize different pathways to reach your career goals.

📝 Reflection and Journaling: Understand patterns and opportunities through regular introspection.

💡 Flexible Planning: Make adaptable career plans that can withstand changing circumstances.

🔄 Feedback Systems: Embrace feedback as a tool for growth and adaptation.

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As C.S. Lewis said, "Sometimes the longest way round is the shortest way home." Obliquity is your compass to fulfilling destinations in your career journey.

In our ever-evolving world, let obliquity guide you. Enjoy the journey, embrace the detours, and let the diverse experiences fuel your pursuit of professional growth and success.

Keep evolving, keep learning, and remember - every role is a stepping stone, not a finish line.

Let's make this journey an unforgettable one!

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References & Suggested Reading: (Contain Affiliate Links)*

• Slumdog Millionaire. Directed by Danny Boyle, performances by Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, and Saurabh Shukla, Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2008.
• Brachistochrone Curve. Wikipedia
• The Beatles. "Long & Winding Road." Recorded May-June 1969. Released on the album Let It Be, Apple Records, 1970.
• Kay, John. Obliquity: Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly. New York: Penguin, 2012.
• Greene, Robert. Mastery. New York: Penguin Books, 2013.
• Carse, James. Finite and Infinite Games. New York: Free Press, 2013.
• Sinek, Simon. The Infinite Game. New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2020.
• Harford, Tim. Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure. New York: Picador, 2011.
• Senge, Peter M. The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Doubleday/Currency, 2006.

 *As an Amazon associate, I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.