Magic Words provides an insightful explanation of how seemingly minor language choices can significantly impact message receptivity. This book introduces six types of “magic words” to: (1) activate identity and agency, (2) convey confidence, (3) ask the right questions, (4) leverage concreteness, (5) employ emotion, and (6) harness similarity (and difference). For example, to encourage…
[Book 27] The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup outlines an entrepreneurial methodology for transforming new ideas into successful business outcomes, and is applicable to companies of any size and in any industry. Business cases are built on two foundational assumptions: the value and growth hypotheses. The value hypothesis demonstrates how your product or service creates value for both the consumer…
[Book 26] Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
Think Like a Monk provides valuable insights on how to stay focused and grounded on what truly matters. We are shaped by the people who surround us, so it’s important to find communities whose values align with who we want to become. Jay explains that ambition and passion can be interpreted as arrogant behavior, so…
[Book 25] Originals by Adam Grant
Originals reveals the most successful methods and tactics for bringing new ideas to life. Adam explains that being original means standing for something well thought out and specific, not just against the status quo. To enhance your audience’s receptivity to new ideas, openly admit known flaws to disarm them. This will redirect their reaction from…
[Book 24] Influence by Robert Cialdini
Influence provides an in-depth account of how people are persuaded and is a must-read for anyone working or interested in sales or marketing. Using seven fundamental psychological principles (reciprocation, liking, social proof, authority, scarcity, commitment/consistency, and unity), Robert shows us how to effectuate near automatic compliance with a given request. The findings are as insightful…
[Book 23] Difficult Conversations by Stone, Patton, Heen and Fisher
Difficult Conversations provides invaluable advice on expertly navigating conflict by breaking down the conversation into three distinct components. The “what happened” conversation focuses on understanding intent on both sides, not convincing anyone of your perceived truth. The “feelings” conversation reveals what you and others are feeling, if it is valid, and what’s being shared vs…
[Book 22] Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters
Zero to One outlines an approach to create startups with the potential to become very large businesses. Peter and Blake explain that successful startups strive for a monopolistic advantage, meaning they do something significantly better than anyone else which makes it difficult for others to compete. Venture capitalists use this logic to invest in companies…
[Book 21] Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt
Good Strategy Bad Strategy will guide you in developing a sound business strategy. Richard emphasizes the importance of focusing strategy on a few key objectives that lead to a cascade of favorable outcomes. This is in contrast to bad strategies that attempt to accomplish too much through fragmented initiatives. The optimal structure of a strategy…
Book [20 ] Essentialism by Greg Mckeown
Essentialism provides advice on how to decide what truly matters and is worth focusing on. In a world with an ever-expanding menu of distractions, the skills of proactive choice and saying “no” are increasingly important. Greg explains that the key to this mindset, is to shift from asking, “How can I make it all work?”…
[6] The Lemon Tree – How to use grief to make the world a better place
Today is a very special day for me: it’s the five year anniversary of the passing of my sister Kristin and my son Theo’s first birthday. This post is a reflection on growing anew following loss. When I was 13, I grew a lemon plant from seed, which over the years blossomed into an eight-foot-tall…