The World's Best Book Summaries
What should new employees learn during their orientation? How can you get your employees motivated from day one? Employees need a concise vision statement that’s easy to remember to feel motivated. A great way of instilling this vision in their minds is by expressing it on their first day. Below, we’ll look at how to incorporate your business’s vision statement into the orientation process for new employees.
What happens when you only hire people based on college degrees and work experience? Why should you hire for potential? Many organizations make the mistake of hiring the “perfect” employee. However, Adam Grant says that hiring these types of employees overlooks people who can help your business grow in the long run. Continue reading to learn why hiring for potential will benefit your business, and how to find people with the greatest potential.
How are leaders and managers different? Why is coaching important in leadership? The leadership model that exemplifies traits of trust and integrity isn’t that of the high-powered corporate executive. It’s that of the coach who’s focused on team success. Find out more about why you should embrace your inner coach to lead a business.
Is it hard for you to stay motivated and achieve your goals? Do you find yourself relying too heavily on willpower and discipline? Forcing functions might be the solution you’re looking for. These self-imposed restrictions can help design an environment that naturally pushes you toward your objectives. By creating the right conditions, you can minimize the need for constant self-control. Read on to discover how to harness the power of forcing functions in both your work and rest environments.
What do the visitors to your website want? What’s the secret to keeping them engaged and satisfied? Effective UX design is all about meeting users’ needs quickly and effortlessly. By understanding what people want from websites, designers can create intuitive, scannable pages that guide visitors to their desired content. Steve Krug says the basic UX goal is to minimize mental effort and maximize efficiency. Keep reading to discover how well-designed websites can make users happier and more likely to return.
Do you know how to be an innovative leader? How can you communicate innovation to your team? Peter F. Drucker argues that businesses have a social obligation to innovate since their stability impacts jobs and the economy. To enable innovation, businesses must restructure themselves to reward entrepreneurial thinking. Continue reading to learn how to embrace creative leadership.
Are we on the brink of a human-made disaster? What catastrophic threats to our existence could be our own fault? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores the dangers posed by anthropogenic threats. He speculates on the potential consequences of nuclear weapons, climate change, and environmental damage. These human-driven risks could lead to civilization collapse or even extinction. Keep reading to get Ord’s take on these potential existential challenges.
How has the history of college admissions shaped our current educational landscape? Why do conservative politicians deride higher education? Ijeoma Oluo’s exploration of higher education and race reveals a complex history of exclusion and change. In her book Mediocre, she examines how American universities were initially designed for wealthy white men and how this legacy continues to impact our educational system today. Continue reading for Oluo’s analysis of race and American educational institutions.
Do people enjoy being around you? Is there more tension between you and others than you would like to have? Getting along with others is a crucial skill that can enhance your personal and professional life. Marc Reklau, in his book How to Become a People Magnet, says you can build stronger connections and create a more harmonious environment around you by showing appreciation and avoiding conflict. Keep reading for Reklau’s advice on how to get along with other people.
What causes the fear of public speaking? If you could pinpoint the reason for your own fear, how could that help you overcome your anxiety? In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker suggests that the root of the fear of public speaking often lies in past traumatic experiences. He offers strategies to identify and work through these memories, helping you move past your anxiety and become a more confident speaker. Keep reading to understand Acker’s insights on uncovering—and healing from—the experiences that hold you back.