The World's Best Book Summaries
What does Machiavelli recommend regarding an armed populace? Where does he advise princes to live once they’ve conquered new territory? Niccolò Machiavelli sees a loyal populace as one of the most valuable tools a prince can have. In turn, he warns that a prince who is hated by the people can never hold on to power for long. Continue reading to learn Machiavelli’s philosophy about winning over the people.
How well do customers understand how to use your product? Are they clear on why they need it? In Obviously Awesome, positioning consultant and speaker April Dunford explains why positioning is critical to successfully selling your product. Dunford argues that positioning isn’t merely helpful; it’s the bedrock of successful selling and marketing. Read more to understand the importance of positioning in selling your product.
Does your business have a Plan B? Do you have a healthy “give-and-take” dynamic between upper and middle management? Adaptability is a competitive advantage. Intel CEO Andy Grove offers advice on how to build a flexible organization so that you stay ahead of the game. The keys, he says, are proactively investing in alternatives and cultivating a flexible business culture. Keep reading for Grove’s wisdom about adapting to change in the business environment.
What’s fortuna? How does a successful leader keep it at bay? According to Niccolò Machiavelli, fortuna (fate) affects us all. But, great princes don’t let it get the best of them. They have qualities that help them beat the odds. Read more to learn how to keep fate from ruling your life.
Is a market disruption headed your way? How can you tell? Intel’s Andrew Grove advises you to stay alert to potential market disruptions before they hit with full force. He discusses six potential sources of drastic change, and he advises how to keep tabs on them. Read more to learn how to see market disruptions on the horizon.
How can you choose advisors who will stay loyal to you? How much power should you give them? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli advises that princes should surround themselves with reliable advisors. He gives recommendations on where to find advisors and what the relationship with them should be like. Read more about Machiavelli’s discussion of political advisors below.
What are strategic inflection points? Is your business facing such a crisis? Drawing on his experience as the CEO of Intel, Andrew Grove provides clear guidance on preparing for, identifying, and adapting to the kinds of upheavals that send less agile companies out of business. He calls these crises “strategic inflection points.” Keep reading to learn what strategic inflection points are and how to determine whether your business has reached one.
When it comes to building an army for war, what does Machiavelli advise? What’s the secret to finding loyal soldiers? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli distinguishes three types of armies: hired forces, borrowed forces, and personal forces. He cautions princes to avoid hired forces, to be wary of borrowed forces, and to opt for personal forces when possible. Continue reading for a brief discussion of Machiavelli on war forces.
Could your company survive a major upheaval? How can you give it a better chance to weather the storms? Every company must navigate a changing business landscape, but not all changes are equal. Andrew Grove’s book Only the Paranoid Survive provides a practical guide for business leaders struggling to navigate a major disruption to their industry. Here’s our overview of the book’s principles and concrete advice.
What does Machiavelli mean by “virtú”? How does it differ from the modern understanding of virtue? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli sets forth several qualities that great princes (rulers) have. According to Machiavelli, virtú is the characteristic that stands above the rest. However, it doesn’t mean exactly what its apparent modern equivalent means. Keep reading to find out what virtú is to Machiavelli.