Shortform Books

Scrum by Jeff Sutherland: Key Book Takeaways

What can you learn from Scrum by Jeff Sutherland? Why does the Scrum method work better than traditional management systems? According to software developer and management expert Jeff Sutherland, the methods most companies use to build products are misguided and lead to inefficiency. Too much time is spent planning, too much energy is wasted on unimportant tasks, and not enough emphasis is placed on flexibility. That’s why he came up with the Scrum method. Here’s a brief overview of Jeff Sutherland’s Scrum.

Customer Empathy: How to Understand the Customer

What is customer empathy? How can you understand how your customer is feeling? In Secrets of Closing the Sale, Zig Ziglar emphasizes the importance of putting yourself in the customer’s shoes. Even if you don’t share their feelings, you can understand how to cater your pitch to their specific needs. Read more on the importance of customer empathy when pitching a product.

Noise vs. Bias: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between noise vs. bias? Which one is a worse issue when it comes to making decisions? Noise and bias are the two main errors that occur when humans make a judgment. They are often confused, but the authors of the book Noise make a clear distinction between the two ideas. Here’s how to understand the difference between noise and bias.

Richard Koch: How to Stop Wasting Your Life

Do you feel like you’re wasting your life? How can you stop wasting your time on things that don’t contribute to your happiness? Most of us waste tremendous energy and effort on things that don’t ultimately matter. According to Richard Koch, the 80/20 principle can help clear out the waste in your life and devote your energy to the people and activities that bring you joy and success. Here’s how to stop wasting your life by applying the 80/20 principle.

Human Overpopulation Concerns Are Overblown

How many people can the Earth accommodate? Is our planet in danger of overpopulation? According to biologist David Sinclair, there’s no evidence that there is a limit to how much population the Earth can support. In his book Lifespan, he discusses the implications of increased longevity for the planet, coming to the conclusion that planet overpopulation is not something we should be worried about. Here’s why human overpopulation concerns are overblown, according to David Sinclair.

Psychosomatic Disease Is Subconscious Self-Sabotage

What causes psychosomatic disease? How can a mental problem manifest physically? According to Gay Hendricks, psychosomatic ailments often ensue following very positive or pleasurable experiences. For example, if you get sick on your honeymoon, this may be a psychosomatic effect of nearing what he calls “the Upper Limit Problem.” If this is the case, it may be your mind affecting your body as a means of self-sabotage, or self-punishment. Here’s how your mind makes you sick, according to Hendricks.

How to Turn Negativity Into Positivity

Can you transmute negative emotions? How can you turn negative emotions into your greatest advantage? If the negative emotion you’re feeling is not appropriate based on the situation, it doesn’t serve you—it’s only making you miserable. The good news is that emotional states are malleable—you can transform negative emotions into positive ones. Here’s how to turn negativity into positivity, according to mind coach Vex King.

Brené Brown on Shame and Guilt

What is the difference between guilt and shame? Where do shame and guilt stem from? According to Brené Brown, shame and guilt are similar emotions. Brown says that shame is feeling inadequate and unworthy as a person, while guilt is feeling bad for something we’ve done rather than for who we are. Here’s how Brené Brown explains shame and guilt.

What Happens in the Small Intestine?

What happens in the small intestine? What is the role of the small intestine in the digestive process? The small intestine’s job is to absorb the food particles found in chyme into the bloodstream. From there, the particles travel throughout the body, providing fuel for our cells and building important structures. Keep reading to learn how the job of the small intestine.

The 80 20 Principle by Richard Koch: Book Overview

What is Richard Koch’s The 80/20 Principle about? What is the key message to take away from the book? In his book The 80/20 Principle, Richard Koch explains that the successful few are simply leveraging a fundamental truth at work in all of our lives: 80% of results stem from 20% of inputs. Therefore, Koch says you must spend more time on what matters, and less time on what doesn’t—for example, by finding work you enjoy, spending less time on things you’re not good at, and avoiding people who drain your energy. Below is a brief overview of the key themes.