Q&A with Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss

 

Adaira Landry

 

 

Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss, who are both physicians, are the authors of the new book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. Landry is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Lewiss is a professor of emergency medicine.

 

Q: What inspired you to write MicroSkills?

 

A: When we were starting our careers we noticed that some people seemed to have “it.” They were able to navigate the workplace, secure opportunities, and project balance in their lives inside and outside of work.

 

We were left wondering how to move forward and gain access to what seemed like privileged information -- the “how-to” of being successful at work. We wanted to level the playing field for everyone by teaching the small skills that people can immediately learn to navigate work.

 

In short, we wrote the book we wish we had when we started our professional journeys. 

Resa E. Lewiss

 

Q: How did your experience as physicians factor into the writing of the book?

 

A: We both had this feeling early on in our careers that there was a workplace playbook. Some people got a copy and others didn’t. We felt out of the loop. We didn’t want that to be the experience for our readers.

 

So we wrote a book that felt comprehensive and not overwhelming. Not only are we emergency medicine physicians, we are also educators. So we have experience breaking things down into small concrete and actionable ways to get work done and accomplish a larger goal. 

 

Q: The author Minda Harris said of the book, “MicroSkills is a must-read for anyone entering the workplace, especially if you feel like an outsider.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: It was important to us that we write a book that to the best of our abilities makes no assumptions about the reader. Many business self-help books are developed with assumptions about the reader and their access to resources, such as money, time, and people.

 

We know that the world is not equal and everyone does not start from the same place. We know that knowledge is not always shared and exchanged equitably to help others. So Minda has it right. 

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?

 

A: We start early in the book emphasizing self-care and then move into taking care of the team. And only when those two pillars of the workplace are in-check can the reader focus heavily on the work they are doing.

 

We don’t want to perpetuate the message that success at work requires constant sacrifice. As physicians we understand the importance of being mindful of our body, mind, soul, personal finances, and support system as we move through our career.

 

Our book emphasizes the power of the pause -- stopping, reflecting, asking questions, and really getting to know yourself, your needs, and your opportunities.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Right now we are really excited about our book launch and our author talks, e.g., the Brown University Bookstore on Wed. May 8 @ 4:30 pm and the Boston Public Library, Parker Hill Branch on Thurs. May 9 @ 6:00pm.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: We really believe this book can help anyone seeking knowledge and guidance on how to navigate the workplace. We would love to hear how the content resonates. Please contact us through our websites https://adairalandrymd.com/ and www.resalewiss.com.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb