The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you consider yourself an optimistic person? Do you always bank on the best possible outcome even if all odds are against you? The basic factor of succeeding in anything is learning to believe it’s possible. William James summed it up with this famous quote: “Our belief at the beginning of a doubtful undertaking is the one thing that ensures a successful outcome.” Here is how expecting the best can actually draw the best to you.
What is an egalitarian culture? How does egalitarianism manifest in leadership? In an egalitarian culture, the power distance is low. In other words, everybody is equal—even in the workplace. Members of egalitarian cultures are also more likely to act on their own and ask for forgiveness instead of permission. Keep reading to learn about the key characteristics of egalitarian cultures and how they develop.
Do you want to know how to plan your goals and follow through? What do you think is the main obstacle? Most people have at least some idea of the goals they want to achieve. The challenge comes in creating a realistic and actionable plan on which they can follow through. In his book The Sligh Edge, Jeff Olson lays out a two-step process for planning your goals: 1) design a representation of your goal, and 2) create a blueprint for carrying it out. We’ll explore both of these principles below.
How does time perception differ across cultures? What are the two types of cultural time perception? Time isn’t a fixed item—it is a concept, and each culture conceptualizes time differently. In her book The Culture Map, cultural expert Erin Meyer divides the methods of perceiving time into two overarching types: linear-time (aka monochronic) and flexible-time (aka polychronic). In this article, we’ll explain the difference between monochronic and polychronic cultures and present some strategies you can use when working with people who perceive time differently than you do.
What exactly is self-image? Do you think your self-image accurately reflects who you are and what you are capable of? Your self-image is the mental image you hold about yourself. According to Maxwell Maltz, the author of Psycho-Cybernetics, your self-image is not an accurate reflection of who you are. It’s simply a construct of thoughts you chose to think about past experiences. In this article, we’ll look at the psychology of self-image: what influences it, and how it affects your ability to succeed and experience happiness.
What is the difference between deductive vs. inductive thinking? Which cultures tend to adopt either style of thinking? Deductive thinking moves from broad, overarching principles to specific observations. In contrast, inductive thinking moves from specific data points to overarching hypotheses or theories. According to cultural communication expert Erin Meyer, Latin Americans tend to be deductive thinkers, whereas North Americans and people from Anglo-Saxon countries tend towards inductive thinking. In this article, we’ll consider the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning in a cultural context.
What is a hierarchical culture? How do hierarchical cultures approach leadership? In a hierarchical culture, the power distance is high. In other words, your rank matters. In some hierarchical cultures (notably, Asian), respect is a two-way street. It is not just the subordinate’s duty to obey. Rather, the boss is responsible for the success and well-being of his employees. He is often viewed as a paternalistic figure. Keep reading to learn about the key characteristics of hierarchical cultures and how they develop.
Do you consider yourself an authentic person? How does modern culture encourage inauthentic behavior? Your environment (social circle and media) is constantly trying to shape you into something that you should be. The underlying message is that you should be, do, or have more to be “good enough.” If you’re sensitive to these opinions and focus more on satisfying the expectations of others than you do on figuring out what you need to feel inner fulfillment—this external focus inhibits you from acting authentically. In this article, we’ll take a look at the two ways modern culture encourages inauthentic behavior: 1)
What obstacles in life have you overcome with the help of faith? Do you believe that the simple act of faith can change one’s life outcomes? When you think about defeat, you tend to get defeated. Instead, adopt a mindset where you don’t believe in defeat. This mindset requires faith for overcoming obstacles. As one of the Bible passages holds “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). In this article, we’ll explore how the power of faith can help you overcome any obstacle in your way.
What does it take to achieve success? More importantly, what does it take to sustain success over time? In his book The Sligh Edge, author Jeff Olson argues that success is built over time with small disciplines executed on a consistent basis. Further, he presents six core principles that, when adhered to, will create continual success in whatever it is you are striving for. In this article, we’ll explore the six The Slight Edge principles by Jeff Olson.