As helpful as heuristics are, it's interesting to discover ways they fail us.

I'm often reminded of how non-singular people are.

We praise polymaths and imagine ourselves as such. Yet in a professional context, I see others within a single vector of interest or expertise.

We see a programmer, or a writer, or a gamer. We lock them in that box and think of them when associated subjects cross our desks. Of course, building out this niche in others' minds is a useful tactic.

But everyone is so much more complex. Discovering that fact is a delight.

In fact, I've found that the most compelling parts of people are rarely what they're known for. It's the stuff they avoid listing in the resume or bio.

The weird passions, the unlikely job histories, and the stories they share after a couple of drinks.

I'd like to find more consistent ways to get people talking about those parts of themselves.

What are you not paid to do?

How do your best friends see you?

What's your own one-sentence personal logline?

I'm paraphrasing, but I once heard or read an idea from @photomatt that stuck with me:

Everyone's interesting. If you're bored in conversation, you're not asking the right questions.