Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Mastering Conflict in Teams: How to Overcome Dysfunction #2

Do your team members know how to handle disagreements in a constructive way? Or, do they let conflict build up until it explodes? In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni says that, once you’ve tackled Dysfunction #1 (the absence of trust), you can take on Dysfunction #2: a fear of conflict. When it’s managed well, conflict is healthy for teams. Continue reading to learn Lencioni’s advice for mastering conflict in teams.

Are Stocks Better Than Bonds? Why Peter Lynch Says “Yes”

Are stocks better than bonds? Which investment carries a greater risk? Despite their reputation as a riskier and more volatile investment, stocks have significantly outperformed bonds over the long term. Peter Lynch explains how bonds work and details some of the main risks that come from investing in them. Then he outlines why he promotes stocks as a superior investment. Keep reading to understand Lynch’s argument and to get a different perspective from Vanguard founder John Bogle.

Seeing World Hierarchies Through the Lens of Network Theory

What role does hierarchy play in keeping the peace? What impact do totalitarian hierarchies have on people? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory—the study of how people and other entities connect with each other—to the study of world history to reveal, among other truths, whether government hierarchies are truly necessary. Read more to understand world hierarchies through this lens.

How to Become a Master: 4 Imperatives in the Pursuit of Your Craft

When you embark on the path of mastery, what should you pack in your suitcase? What mindset do you need? What must you understand and accept? George Leonard spent years as a student and teacher of two disciplines: flying jets and practicing aikido (a Japanese martial art known for its subtle complexities). He wrote Mastery, originally published in 1991, to share the expertise he gained in these pursuits. Read on to learn how to become a master of your chosen skill, craft, or art.

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.