Shortform Books

At Microsoft, Diversity and Inclusion Equal Innovation

What difference do diversity and inclusion make for Microsoft? What could these values do for your company? Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella can be seen as a diversity success story: an Indian immigrant who was able to rise through the ranks of Microsoft to eventually become its CEO. In his book Hit Refresh, he discusses Microsoft’s diversity and inclusion efforts under his leadership and why he has these values. Read more to learn how diversity can help a company do new things.

6 Causes of Inner Child Wounds (+Their Effects)

What causes you to have inner child wounds and what are the effects? How can you identify your own inner child wounds? Psychologist Nicole LePera argues that, whenever your parents made you feel unloved and insecure, you felt extreme pain and discomfort. Since you hadn’t yet developed the emotional skills to cope with your inner turmoil, you formed damaging inner child wounds. Keep reading to learn the six causes and effects of inner child wounds, according to LePera.

How the Calvinist Work Ethic Changed the World

What’s the Calvinist work ethic? Where did it come from, and how did it shape society? According to Max Weber, John Calvin’s doctrine of predestination created the Calvinist work ethic. Weber contends that it was this value (which he commonly refers to as “the Protestant ethic”) that gave rise to capitalism as a world economy. Keep reading to understand Weber’s argument.

Greg McKeown’s Effortless: Overview & Key Takeaways

What is Greg McKeown’s Effortless about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book Effortless, Greg McKeown gives advice on how to make the most of your time by making your life easier. First, you must adopt what he calls an “effortless mindset”: one where you’re focused, rested, and aware of your surroundings. When you establish an effortless mindset, you’re able to perform the most important and challenging tasks with relative ease. Let’s explore the steps you can take towards living more effortlessly, according to Greg McKeown.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Unfinished Paintings and Monuments

Did Leonardo da Vinci have unfinished paintings? Why couldn’t he finish all of his projects? In his biography of the artist, Walter Isaacson explains that Leonardo da Vinci’s perfectionism and lack of discipline were his biggest flaws. These flaws prevented him from finishing two projects: “The Adoration of the Magi” and his horse monument. Let’s take a look at Leonardo da Vinci’s unfinished painting and monument.

How to Improve Decision-Making in the Workplace

How are decisions made in your organization? Is it ever a good idea to let employees question the leader’s decisions? In most organizations, key decisions are made by team leaders and executed by lower-rank employees. Decisions made at the top are almost never questioned or scrutinized. According to Adam Grant, the author of Think Again, team leaders should not only share their decisions, but also the entire decision-making process they used. With this in mind, here’s how to improve decision-making in the workplace by introducing transparency to the process.

4 Stress Management Methods to Keep You Relaxed

Do you feel stressed? What are some stress management methods to help you stay relieved? Burnout by Amelia and Emily Nagoski gives great advice on managing stress. Their four techniques are specifically geared toward women, but really they can help anyone. Let’s look at these stress management methods so you can see a positive change in your life.

How to Save America: Mark Levin’s Plan to Stop Marxism

Can America be saved from a Marxist revolution? What can you do if you’re concerned? In American Marxism, Mark Levin argues that leftists are fueling a Marxist revolution against American culture and society. He calls American patriots to action, explaining that the only way to combat the rise of Marxism in America is by boycotting, speaking up, and taking legal and administrative action. Keep reading to learn Levin’s advice on how to save America.

How to Be More Open-Minded: Adam Grant’s 3 Methods

Do you consider yourself an open-minded person? What exactly does it mean to be open-minded? Keeping an open mind means approaching a point of view from a place of humility and curiosity (as opposed to certainty). This, in turn, requires you to be comfortable with being wrong so that you can examine what you really know without reservations. Here’s how to be more open-minded, according to Adam Grant.

Burning Fossil Fuels: Effects on the Planet

How does burning fossil fuels harm the planet? Is it possible to prevent, or at least, to slow down the damage? Burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases, preventing heat from evaporating into the atmosphere. As a result, the planet’s temperature rises, leading to a host of devastating effects, including rising sea levels, extreme weather fluctuations, and various health risks. Keep reading to learn about the effects of burning fossil fuels on the planet’s atmosphere.