Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Self-Preoccupied vs. Interpersonally Aware: Spot the Difference

What’s the difference between self-preoccupied people and interpersonally aware people? How can you influence both types? In Words That Change Minds, communication and influencing language expert Shelle Rose Charvet explains the difference between these two wirings. She contends that, if you learn how someone thinks, you can consciously match their frame of reference and speak in a language they understand. Keep reading to understand both self-preoccupation and interpersonal awareness and how to interact effectively with both types.

3 Types of Index Funds: Where Do You Want to Put Your Money?

Do you prefer to own stocks in particular industries? Are you interested in funds that trade only in North American stocks? Peter Lynch advises that there are many different types of index funds that track different segments of the financial market, depending on where an investor wants to put their money. He explains market cap funds, sector-based funds, and regional funds. Keep reading to learn about these three types of index funds and see what might work best in your portfolio.

How to Overcome the Avoidance of Accountability in a Team

How much do people get away with on your team? Which is more effective—accountability from managers or colleagues? Patrick Lencioni addresses the issue of accountability in both of his books about team dysfunctions, identifying the avoidance of accountability as the fourth dysfunction. He says that it’s much easier to call people out on results than behaviors, but the latter is far more important. Continue reading for Lencioni’s advice on overcoming the avoidance of accountability in a team.

The Future of the Networked Age: Niall Ferguson Spots the Trends

Where’s the growing connectedness of the world headed? Is a global Utopia in our future? Certain visionaries, social media proponents, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs argue that making the world more connected through social media and global commerce will contribute to building a utopian future of world peace and equality. Niall Ferguson contends that this isn’t the case. Keep reading to understand Ferguson’s argument as he applies network theory to the future of our networked age.

Personal Standards: Rule Structure vs. The Four Tendencies

What rules do you have for yourself? What expectations do you have for the people in your life? In Words That Change Minds, Shelle Rose Charvet’s Rule Structure describes the behavioral standards that someone expects themselves and others to meet. We’ll compare her Rule Structure with Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies. Continue reading for an insightful discussion about personal standards.

Get Your Team to Focus on Results Instead of Themselves

Are your team members more interested in their personal success than the team’s success? If so, what can be done about it? Patrick Lencioni identifies inattention to results as the fifth dysfunction of a team. He argues that employees too often direct their attention toward their own interests at the expense of the team’s interests. Keep reading to learn how to get your team to focus on results instead of themselves.

How to Manage a Stock Portfolio: 4 Tips From Peter Lynch

3 Major Tips From Charlie Munger on Investing

How many companies should you invest in? How long should you hold on to stocks? Is it possible to over-diversify? Famed mutual fund manager Peter Lynch spent decades successfully managing the Magellan Fund at Fidelity. He learned that anyone can be a successful investor if they put in the hard work and choose and manage stocks in the right way. Read more to get four tips from Lynch on how to manage a stock portfolio successfully.

How to Identify and Leverage Persuasion Styles & Requirements

What does it take to convince you of something? How in touch are you with what it takes to persuade the people around you? Influencing language expert Shelle Rose Charvet contends that everyone has a persuasion style. She identifies four persuasion styles and provides advice on how you can detect a person’s style and communicate with them in a way that hits the mark. She also addresses the amount of evidence people require. Read more to understand Charvet’s arguments and to get some analysis on both persuasion styles and requirements.

Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

How well does your team function? Is it hitting on all cylinders, or does it need a tuneup (or even an overhaul)? “Teamwork” is one of the most common buzzwords in the modern business world. But, what does it actually mean, and how do you foster it? In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni answers those questions and teaches you how to turn a group of individuals into a true team. Continue reading for an overview of this book that every manager should read.

The Benefits of Index Funds: Peter Lynch on Passive Investing

What’s “passive investing”? Do you want to make money in the stock market without managing a portfolio or paying someone else to do it? In Beating the Street, famed mutual fund manager Peter Lynch says anyone can succeed in the stock market if they make the right choices and put in the hard work. But, he also offers an option for people who’d rather stay away from active portfolio management. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of index funds.