If you buy one book on decision making make it this one, read the first half, and then tuck it away in a handy spot. Forever. Decisive opens by outlining and explaining the four “villains” that prevent us from making optimal decisions in work and life. The decision process and the errors we make are: * You encounter a choice. But NARROW FRAMING makes you miss options. * You analyze
An idea conceptualized in the book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Phil Collins and Jerry Porras, captivated, invigorated and permeated corporate America when it was released in 2009. And that idea was the BHAG or Big Hairy Audacious Goal. A BHAG is a long-term goal that changes the very nature of a business’ existence. BHAGs are big, bold, exciting and tangible. They are more powerful than
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene My rating: 4 of 5 stars I have a love-hate relationship with this book. On the one hand, it's an instructional guide on how to be an asshole. And on the other, it reveals the assholes' ways to protect the good. The 48 Laws of Power is entirely unsavory, fascinating, and useful. Each of the 48 Laws is brought to life by
Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Rise to the Challenge and Build Confidence by Andy Molinsky My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is about how to get outside your comfort zone but it’s also about something bigger: how to adjust your own behavior without losing yourself in the process. When we lack a skill in an area, it can impact our success.
The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein My rating: 5 of 5 stars In a crisis? Busting your hump but getting nowhere with your life? Your dream? Your plans and goals? If you are even remotely spiritual and believe in a Higher Power—whatever that means for you—pick up this book. The few vapid parts are overshadowed by oodles wisdom in the form of affirmations, inspirations,
The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday My rating: 5 of 5 stars Although everyone can benefit from applying the precepts of stoicism to weather the turbulent waters of life, this book will profoundly impact entrepreneurs, trailblazers, leaders of change and transformation or anyone who has chosen to move outside of their comfort zone to take on a monumental task or
Let Me Out: Unlock Your Creative Mind and Bring Your Ideas to Life by Peter Himmelman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Sussman Lawrence was a staple in Minneapolis' indie rock scene when I was growing up. And band member, Peter Himmelman, who went on to pursue a solo career, was a local hero. Like millions of other Americans in his fifties, he found himself and his ways outdated and
The Cheat Code: Going Off Script to Get More and Go Faster by Brian Wong My rating: 4 of 5 stars I saw this book on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. My immediate reaction was negative and visceral, “Oh great, now we’re going to teach cheating to the masses.” I picked up a copy at my local library to learn more. To my relief, this isn’t a book about
Love Hurts: Buddhist Advice for the Heartbroken by Lodro Rinzler My rating: 5 of 5 stars Such an unfortunate "weighty" title for such a wonderful little book for all of life's disappointments--the major traumas AND the daily blows. Don't get scared by the word "Buddhist" in the title. Yes, Lodro is a Buddhist. But, frankly, he just may become the compassionate healer of our time. He's witty, vulnerable, real, and
Designing Your Life: How to Think Like a Designer and Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by William Burnett My rating: 5 of 5 stars Individuals starting their career, those in career transition or those struggling on the path chosen will gain much from this book. Authors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans are Stanford professors who apply 'design thinking' principles to career/life planning. Don't be fooled, just because the approaches on
