Hello Cohorts 21 and 22!

On behalf of the QuestPress crew, I’d like to formally congratulate all of you on your acceptance into the Quest program. Having mingled with a few of your mentors in 390, I’ve already heard tales of your excellent – dare I say, “quality” – 190 presentations. A few of you even have some team names that are enough to make us jealous; well done.

As a mixture of juniors and seniors, most of us on the QuestPress staff have been asked, and in the past have asked, variations of the same enduring question: i.e., “how do I get the most out of Quest?” Well, merely contemplating the way to get the most out of the program is certainly a sign that you’re taking a step in the right direction. Although we cannot give specifics, in general, we’ve boiled down a few of the key ingredients to a successful quest-pedition.

1) Find your niche – This is arguably the most important aspect of a memorable Quest experience. You’ve already identified your basic proficiencies using the Strengths Quest personality test; now it’s time to discover where your unique qualities are best suited: where might your “Futuristic” outlook thrive? Perhaps you’d be a treat for the curriculum planning headed by QSO. Or maybe you’re more of a “Woo.” Well then dive into recruitment. The point is, develop your strengths as you see them, rather than wasting energy attacking non-debilitating weakness. As you’ll learn in 390, the best way to solve a problem is to dissolve it.
2) Invest in it – Muhammad Ali was quoted as saying “I hated every minute of training but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” No, we don’t expect you to graduate from the program with three heavy weight titles (but if you did that would be very nice). The point we’re trying to make here is that what you put in is what you’ll get out. Truly investing in something isn’t always easy but when your goals are aligned with your niche and your actions are in sync with your objectives, the results are always worth fighting for.
3) Beware the Punctuated Equilibrium Model – Certainly by now you’ve heard much talk about about the stages of team formation. Say it with me; forming, storming, norming, and performing. Right, excellent. Word from the wise, it’s easy to bypass all those stages if you don’t engage in the appropriate planning. The punctuated equilibrium model has essentially four phases: in phase one, the group’s standard operating procedure is set – usually quite poorly – and little is accomplished. During a “transition” period, the group recognizes how much time has been wasted and accomplish just enough to quell their fears of a looming deadline. Dr. Bailey’s calm demeanor and snazzy bowties ease their fears. In the completion stage, a frantic group stays up all night to complete their 190 project. Their presentation is ad lib. Luckily enough, this wasn’t my 190 experience (shout out to team SleeQ Geek!). Just keep in mind that the start is a good indication of the finish. Get out ahead of the gun.

There they are. Three tips to help you squeeze the very most you can from your Quest adventure. Find your niche, invest in your element, and stay ahead of the game. And, who knows…if you manage to do all of that you might even discover your mission.

Written By:

Daniel-Jason Minzie
Resident Philosopher
“When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”
– Rumi