Book picks similar to
Design For Strengths: Applying Design Thinking to Individual and Team Strengths by John K. Coyle
business
design
leadership
non-fiction
The Algebra of Happiness: Finding the Equation for a Life Well Lived
Scott Galloway - 2019
His students are smart and hardworking, but they struggle with life's biggest questions, just like the rest of us. What's the formula for a life well lived? How can you have a meaningful career, not just a lucrative one? Is work/life balance really possible? What does it take to make a long-term relationship succeed?Galloway explores these and many other questions in the take-no-prisoners style that has made him a sought-after commentator and YouTube star. For example...If (Money In) - (Money Out) > 0, you're rich.The definition of "rich" is income greater than your burn rate. My dad and his wife receive about $50K/year and spend $40K. They are rich. I have friends who earn more than $1 million, but with several children in private schools, an ex-wife, a home in the Hamptons, and the lifestyle of a master of the universe, they spend nearly all of it. They are poor.Compound interest = the key to relationships.Most of us know how compound interest works with money, but don't recognize its power in other spheres. Make small investments in the people you care about, every day. Take a ton of pictures, text your friends stupid things, check in with old friends, express admiration to coworkers, and tell your loved ones that you love them. The payoff is small, until it becomes immense.Serendipity = a function of courage.My willingness to endure rejection from universities, peers, investors, and women has been hugely rewarding. Asking a VC for money is nothing compared to approaching a woman midday in a beach chair, sitting with another woman and a guy, and opening. Nothing wonderful will happen without taking a risk and subjecting yourself to rejection.Cool vacation > Cool car.Studies show people overestimate the happiness that things will bring them, and underestimate the long-term positive effect of experiences. Invest in experiences over things. Drive a Hyundai, and take your spouse to Australia.The Algebra of Happiness is perfect for any graduate, or for anyone who feels adrift.
The News: A User's Manual
Alain de Botton - 2014
We can’t stop constantly checking it on our computer screens, but what is this doing to our minds? We are never really taught how to make sense of the torrent of news we face every day, writes Alain de Botton (author of the best-selling The Architecture of Happiness), but this has a huge impact on our sense of what matters and of how we should lead our lives. In his dazzling new book, de Botton takes twenty-five archetypal news stories—including an airplane crash, a murder, a celebrity interview and a political scandal—and submits them to unusually intense analysis with a view to helping us navigate our news-soaked age. He raises such questions as Why are disaster stories often so uplifting? What makes the love lives of celebrities so interesting? Why do we enjoy watching politicians being brought down? Why are upheavals in far-off lands often so boring? In The News: A User’s Manual, de Botton has written the ultimate guide for our frenzied era, certain to bring calm, understanding and a measure of sanity to our daily (perhaps even hourly) interactions with the news machine.(With black-and-white illustrations throughout.)
Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business
Luke Williams - 2010
For anyonewho wants to thrive in this new order, this requires a revolution in thinking--a steady stream of disruptive strategies and unexpected solutions. "Disrupt" "Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business" shows how to generate and execute those solutions--a disruptive approach for a disruptive age. Author Luke Williams demonstrates his experience creating disruptive products and services at frog design, one of the world s leading innovation firms. Williams combines the fluid creativity of "disruptive thinking" with the analytical rigor that is indispensable to business success. The result is a simple yet complete five-stage process for imagining a powerful market disruption and transforming it into reality. Using many examples and a book-length case study of Little Miss Matched, Williams shows how the more unexpected an idea, the smaller the number of competitors, and the more successful the company that brings it to market. He walks through generating a disruptive hypothesis, defining a disruptive market opportunity, creating multiple disruptive ideas, shaping them into an actionable solution, and persuading key stakeholders to adopt or invest in the solution. "Disrupt "offers readers a systematic way to redefine the future of a company, catch entire industries by surprise, and leave competitors scrambling to catch up."
The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work
Shawn Achor - 2010
If we can just find that great job, win that next promotion, lose those five pounds, happiness will follow. But recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology have shown that this formula is actually backward: Happiness fuels success, not the other way around. When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work. This isn’t just an empty mantra. This discovery has been repeatedly borne out by rigorous research in psychology and neuroscience, management studies, and the bottom lines of organizations around the globe. In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor, who spent over a decade living, researching, and lecturing at Harvard University, draws on his own research—including one of the largest studies of happiness and potential at Harvard and others at companies like UBS and KPMG—to fix this broken formula. Using stories and case studies from his work with thousands of Fortune 500 executives in 42 countries, Achor explains how we can reprogram our brains to become more positive in order to gain a competitive edge at work. Isolating seven practical, actionable principles that have been tried and tested everywhere from classrooms to boardrooms, stretching from Argentina to Zimbabwe, he shows us how we can capitalize on the Happiness Advantage to improve our performance and maximize our potential. Among the principles he outlines: • The Tetris Effect: how to retrain our brains to spot patterns of possibility, so we can see—and seize—opportunities wherever we look. • The Zorro Circle: how to channel our efforts on small, manageable goals, to gain the leverage to gradually conquer bigger and bigger ones. • Social Investment: how to reap the dividends of investing in one of the greatest predictors of success and happiness—our social support network A must-read for everyone trying to excel in a world of increasing workloads, stress, and negativity, The Happiness Advantage isn’t only about how to become happier at work. It’s about how to reap the benefits of a happier and more positive mind-set to achieve the extraordinary in our work and in our lives.From the Hardcover edition.
Inside Steve's Brain
Leander Kahney - 2008
Hes also one of the most controversial CEOs in history, allegedly throwing epic tantrums, firing staff in elevators, and taking credit for other peoples achievements. So whats the real story? According to Leander Kahney, who has covered Jobs since the early 1990s as a reporter, editor, and book author, hes a fascinating bundle of contradictions. Hes an elitist who thinks most people are bozosbut he makes gadgets so easy to use, a bozo can master them. Hes a mercurial obsessive with a filthy temperbut he forges deep partnerships with creative geniuses like Steve Wozniak, Jonathan Ive, and John Lasseter. Hes a Buddhist and antimaterialistbut he produces mass-market products in Asian factories, and he promotes them with absolute mastery of the crassest medium, advertising. In short, Jobs has embraced the personality traits that some consider flawsnarcissism, perfectionism, total faith in his intuitionto lead Apple and Pixar to triumph against steep odds. And in the process, he has become a self-made billionaire. After interviewing more Apple insiders than any previous author, Kahney has distilled the principles that guide Jobs as he launches killer products, attracts fanatically loyal customers, and manages some of the worlds most powerful brands.
The Power of Attitude
Mac Anderson - 2004
In The Power of Attitude, entrepreneur Mac Anderson presents some strong suggestions that can guide readers toward success. A complement to his first book The Nature of Success, this book features the same powerful imagery but emphasizes the internal workings of the mind and heart that drive a person in productive paths. As founder of Successories, the leading manufacturer of inspirational and motivational wall decor, Anderson practices what he preaches with notable results. In his introduction, he writes of his hope to "energize and inspire you to live the life of your dreams, and then also to make a positive difference in the lives of others."
Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It
Peggy Klaus - 2003
The renowned communication expert's subtle but effective plan for selling your best asset - yourself - without turning off those you're trying to impress.
Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
Craig Groeschel - 2021
Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel understands deeply this daily battle against self-doubt and negative thinking, and in this powerful new book he reveals the strategies he's discovered to change your mind and your life for the long-term.Drawing upon Scripture and the latest findings of brain science, Groeschel lays out practical strategies that will free you from the grip of harmful, destructive thinking and enable you to live the life of joy and peace that God intends you to live. Winning the War in Your Mind will help you:Learn how your brain works and see how to rewire itIdentify the lies your enemy wants you to believeRecognize and short-circuit your mental triggers for destructive thinkingSee how prayer and praise will transform your mindDevelop practices that allow God's thoughts to become your thoughtsGod has something better for your life than your old ways of thinking. It's time to change your mind so God can change your life.
How to Develop Your Family Mission Statement
Stephen R. Covey - 2001
This family mission statement kit will help you:
Unite your family around a common sense of purpose and mission
Develop more patience and the capacity to solve problems proactively
Strengthen you children and family members in a turbulent world
Eliminate ineffective family habits
Transform family life from a desperate, miserable, day-to-day grind to a family life rich with meaningful relationships
The Power of Nice: How to Negotiate So Everyone Wins-Especially You!
Ronald M. Shapiro - 1998
The lessons he learned and the methods he uses should be required reading for anyone whose business relies on the art of negotiation. Ron never forgets that treating people with respect and fairness is the key to success. Ron and Mark have been helping our company for many years-I guess we won't need them anymore-they put it all in their book." --Charles M. Cawley, Chief Executive Officer, MBNA America Bank, N.A."In the field of negotiation Ron Shapiro has always been regarded as the quintessence of class and integrity. Predictably, he and Mark Jankowski have written a compelling book filled with anecdotes and insights. "The Power of Nice" is a fascinating and useful book that is a must read for anyone who wants to build long-term mutually profitable relationships." --Herb Cohen, Author, "You Can Negotiate Anything""This book taught me everything I ever wanted to know about negotiation-and I use it everyday." --Kirby Puckett, Former All-Star Center Fielder and Executive Vice President, Minnesota Twins"Negotiation is not war. Negotiation is not a science. Negotiation is the commerce of information for ultimate gain." --from "The Power of Nice"Though not a science, negotiating is an art, and in this eye-opening new book, a true master shares his secrets and strategies for success. Ron Shapiro is a corporate lawyer, teacher, and, in what is almost a contradiction in terms, one of today's most respected sports agents. He has worked with baseball's biggest names: Cal Ripken, Jr., Kirby Puckett, Brooks Robinson, Dennis Martinez, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray, and many others. Rising to-and remaining at-the top of a competitive pool filled with smooth-talking, "sleazeball" sharks, he has succeeded by being, of all things, a nice guy. Now, along with his business partner, lawyer, lecturer, and negotiations expert, Mark Jankowski, Shapiro reveals how anyone who sits down to make a deal can get what they want by exercising the surprising "power of nice." Together, Shapiro and Jankowski have shared their negotiation insights with Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, universities, and government agencies.Though the name of the game in negotiating is to obtain desired results, how you get them is just as important. While many dealmakers play hardball by assuming a winner-take-all, scorched-earth attitude, they do so at the risk of alienating the party opposite them at the negotiating table, thereby losing out on future opportunities. This approach is, as Shapiro and Jankowski tell us, a major strike against effective negotiating, and can-and should-be avoided. By using a kinder, gentler approach that focuses on forming-and keeping-strong business connections, ultimate gain can still be yours: "You can be 'a nice guy' and still get what you're after. In fact, you often get better results, achieve more of your goals, and build longer-term relationships with even greater returns."Drawing on their vast experience in win-win negotiating, as well as such essentials as managing tough situations, handling difficult negotiators, and unlocking deadlocks, the authors take you, step-by-step, through a systematic approach that, when repeated and mastered, will maximize results. Based on "the three Ps," it consists of: preparing better than the other side; probing so you know what they want and why; and proposing, ideally without going first and revealing too much, but still achieving what you want.Supported by invaluable "portable" negotiation summaries-so you can take the "power of nice" with you-this is must reading for anyone who has to make a deal, whether it's negotiating with a customer, setting a curfew with a teenager, or getting the last seat on an over-sold airplane.
Happy Retirement: The Psychology of Reinvention
Kenneth S. Schultz - 2015
Retirement: The Psychology of Reinvention uses psychological research and a unique visual style of infographics and illustrations to provide readers with a retirement roadmap just right for them.Fully illustrated, with constructive advice for all retirees - whatever the age and circumstances - and inspirational guidance from a wealth of sources, Retirement: The Psychology of Reinvention answers all the questions readers are likely to ask at any stage of retirement.Reviews:"For readers who want a well-researched field guide... this will be a valuable armchair resource, with its many points to consider and discuss." - Publishers Weekly"The book's big-picture perspective takes in all aspects of what goes into choosing what comes next, from work and money to values, interests, skills, talents and aspiration." - The Wall Street Journal"Presenting practical advice and research-based findings, this work provides readers with a dress rehearsal as they prepare for their next role in this play called life." - Library Journal
Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Taosports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life
Chungliang Al Huang - 1992
Using stories of success from athletes and businesspeople, the authors present techniques and exercises to promote relaxation and enhance performance.
Why Some Positive Thinkers Get Powerful Results
Norman Vincent Peale - 1986
He offers a straight-talking, step-by-step, scientifically sound system for turning self-doubt into self-esteem, obstacles into opportunities, and thought into action. You will learn Ten rules for setting and achieving goals Four creative factors that lead to successful outcomes A four-part daily prescription for peace of mind Ten "of course you can" principles A three-point formula for getting rid of depression Six positive thoughts to eliminate destructive habits A three-part blueprint for spiritual and physical health The single most important step toward becoming a positive personLet Norman Vincent Peale show you how to meet bigger challenges, realize your fondest dreams, and achieve success in every aspect of your life!
Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters.
Michael Bungay Stanier - 2010
You put in the hours. Yet you feel like you are constantly treading water with "Good Work" that keeps you going but never quite moves you ahead. Or worse, you are mired in "Bad Work"—endless meetings and energy-draining bureaucratic traps.Do More Great Work gets to the heart of the problem: Even the best performers are spending less than a fraction of their time doing "Great Work"—the kind of innovative work that pushes us forward, stretches our creativity, and truly satisfies us. Michael Bungay Stanier, Canadian Coach of the Year in 2006, is a business consultant who’s found a way to move us away from bad work (and even good work), and toward more time spent doing great work.When you’re up to your eyeballs answering e-mail, returning phone calls, attending meetings and scrambling to get that project done, you can turn to this inspirational, motivating, and at times playful book for invaluable guidance. In fifteen exercises, Do More Great Work shows how you can finally do more of the work that engages and challenges you, that has a real impact, that plays to your strengths—and that matters.The exercises are "maps"—brilliantly simple visual tools that help you find, start and sustain Great Work, revealing how to:Find clues to your own Great Work—they’re all around youLocate the sweet spot between what you want to do and what your organization wants you to doGenerate new ideas and possibilities quicklyBest manage your overwhelming workloadDouble the likelihood that you’ll do what you want to doAll it takes is ten minutes a day, a pencil and a willingness to change. Do More Great Work will not only help you identify what the Great Work of your life is, it will tell you how to do it.
The Meaning in the Making: The How and Why Behind Our Human Need to Create
Sean Tucker - 2021
We’re each trying to describe what we know about life, to create a collective sense of “safety in numbers.” When we reach the end of our traditional descriptive powers, it’s time to weave collective meaning from poetry, painting, writing, dancing, photographing, filmmaking, storytelling, singing, animating, designing, performing, carving, sculpting, and a million other ways we daily create Order out of the Chaos and share it with each other for comfort.On this journey we need a creative philosophy which will help us find our voice, discover our message, deal with the responses to our work, maintain inspiration, and stay mentally healthy and motivated creators as we strive to find “the meaning in the making.”