(Not) Boring Finds for October 2016

Like picking fruit at a farmer’s market, these are the apples we’ve plucked from the interesting ideas and insights we discovered this month. Some have an investing connection; some just made sense and seemed ripe for sharing.

Business Insider – 20 Cognitive Biases That Affect Decisions

From what you’ll eat throughout the day to whether you should make a big career move, research suggests that there are a number of cognitive stumbling blocks that affect your behavior, and they can prevent you from acting in your own best interests.

Collaborative Fund – When You Change the World and No One Notices

Things that are instantly adored are usually just slight variations over existing products. We love them because they’re familiar. The most innovative products – the ones that truly change the world – are almost never understood at first, even by really smart people.

CFA Institute – My Favourite Robot

A compelling overview of a topic we’ve long been fascinated by—the collaboration of humans and artificial intelligence in the investment world.

“Having data scientists who might not understand finance or specific industries throw inappropriate data at an AI won’t accomplish much,” says Hoffman. “The data has to be in the right structure and format, and the only way to do that is to employ domain experts who understand the subject matter.” The firms where these two groups work together as equals will, he says, have the best chance of surviving.

Seapoint Center for Collaborative Leadership – Criticism, Boundaries and Useful Feedback

Helpful tips for those giving feedback. A reminder that the most constructive criticism is descriptive rather than evaluative and should be given for the receiver’s benefit.

Even when you follow all these guidelines, your feedback still might not be what the receiver wants or needs at the moment. There should be no expectation the other person will change. Your feedback is simply a gift. It’s up to them to determine whether or how they use it.

World Economic Forum – 10 Skills You Need to Thrive Tomorrow – and the Universities that will Help You Get Them

A side by side comparison of the top 10 skills from 2015 versus those projected for 2020 shows a surge in demand for social skills, including creativity, emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility.