So That’s Why…

I am a Scanner.  I am not lazy or scatty or flaky, unable to stick to things or suffering from ADD.  I am someone who is interested in many, many things but once the learning part is over, I move on.

Barbara Sher first coined the term “Scanner” in her book Refuse to Choose:

“You can spot them easily: Scanners are some of the nicest, most interesting (and interested) people in the world .  They are eclectic experts, delightful dilettantes, and totally under-rated geniuses who have the fascinating trait of losing interest in something once the learning part is over: good people who are tired of trying to change themselves and ready to find the life that suits them as they are.”

Ah shucks….Not sure about the genius bit but it is nice to know that it ain’t all bad.

I was the child who couldn’t choose which musical instrument to play because she wanted to try them all and ended up not playing anything.  Now I know why – BECAUSE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE CONDUCTOR.  I was the child who when asked the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Hadn’t a clue.  Not because she had’nt a clue but because there was so much to choose from and she wanted to do everything. 

IS THIS YOU?

• Are you fascinated by something different every week?
• Does the thought of concentrating on one topic, skill or job for the rest of your life horrify you?
• Do you start lots of projects but rarely finish any of them?
• Does trying to choose between all your interests stress you out?
• Are you currently reading 5, 10 or even more books?

Then you are a Scanner.

This all makes sense of the jobs I’ve had.  In my early days working at the UN I changed departments three times in six years.  The only criticism was from a boss who complained that once I had done my part of a project I took little interest in the final outcome.  Of course not, I’m a Scanner.  I do my part well and then move onto the next thing.  My happiest professional memories are from my Dubai days working as a copywriter/advertising account executive wearing many hats and never having the same day twice.  I also sunlighted as a freelance writer.  Scanners get easily excited and passionate about projects then delegate, write about it, or move on.  They make great CEOs and erm, freelance writers…

I’m a Scanner and I’m not apologizing.

 My friend and mentor Suzy Greaves gave a talk this week to a group of scanners in London.  www.scannercentral.co.uk.  The group is run by John Williams who organises monthly meetings/talks covering (you guessed it) a diverse range of topics which is a vast amount for any scanner type personality.  Suzy’s talk “How to have your best year yet” is here:  http://www.scannercentral.co.uk/2009/01/22/how-to-have-your-best-year-yet/

Bear with the peripheral noises at the beginning (it’s in a pub) it soon settles.