Here’s what I finished reading last month.
The Amen Effect by Sharon Brous
A meditation on connection & care. Focus on showing up in the difficult times. But also a reminder to show up for the celebrations too. Reinforces that connection starts with simply seeing the other person, even in their despair, even in if they’ve done harm.
Pair with How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong.
More from the author on Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People.
The Great Mental Models: General Thinking Concepts by Shane Parrish
Introduces the philosophy of learning different ways to view the world & applying them to decision making. Covers some general concept models, such as second order & probabilistic thinking. Quick read. For me, a recap of models I know, but sometimes it’s useful to step back & revisit basics.
Check out Parrish’s in-depth interviews on The Knowledge Project.
The Friction Project by Robert Sutton & Huggy Rao
Or why systems suck & how to fix them. Bureaucracy often isn’t the product of malice or apathy, but a series of decisions, often made in isolation. Defines out the traps that produce friction in systems and approaches that people at different levels of influence can use to overcome them. Also highlights where we should add friction to prevent harm, reduce errors, and even accelerate future work.
Really enjoyed this & it’s quite relevant to my work.
Key takeaways from the authors on The Next Big Idea Daily.
Build an A Team by Whitney Johnson
What if management isn’t all about employee productivity? Using the the S-curve model of learning, suggests organizations should largely select for growth potential over mastery, while providing support, mentoring & safe spaces to fail. Also watching for need to help people move to new S-curve, whether new hires not suited to role or those who’ve achieved mastery & are at risk of boredom & disengagement.
A cool way to think about employee hiring, development & retention—but the “ideal” balance is tough in small teams. Super quick read; knocked most of it out in a couple of 90-min plane rides.
Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
One of my favorite reads last month. A measured take on how AI is already changing our world. Sets up AI as a partner, rather than a replacement, for human. Highlights different roles AI can play, while addressing risks—e.g., AI might be great at summarizing info, but what does that mean for human learning & information processing? As Mollick notes, the AIs we’re working with today are likely to be the worst we’ll ever see.
The future is here. How will we work with(out) it?
More from Mollick on Adam Grant’s ReThinking.
The Unspoken Rules: Secrets to Starting Your Career Off Right by Gorick Ng
No, I am not starting off. Picked it up as I thought about what’s now implicit/unconscious to me that might not be obvious to those new to the workplace, especially in environments different from those of their families/communities of origin. Acknowledges the impact that identities (including gender, race, ethnicity) can have on expectations & standards—and that these are systems that should change, while providing tips to navigate.
A good resource for those new to the workforce. Managers/mentors might find it useful to flip through or skim/share.
Author interview on HBR Ideacast.
Emotional Agility by Susan David
Provides a framework for understanding that many emotional reactions are hooked to experiences long ago—and learning to recognize those reactions, take a pause & unhook your response & action. After describing different aspects & strategies, covers how emotional agility can be used with kids & at work.
Ever on & on 