Shortform Books

The Benefits of Asynchronous Team Communication

Why is asynchronous team communication important? How does this type of communication facilitate deeper thinking? According to Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, many organizations hurt their employees’ productivity by creating a culture in which they’re expected to constantly check their messages. They also must be aware of the discussion going on in real-time chatrooms, but in reality, this isn’t necessary. Find out why asynchronous team communication is the better alternative in workplaces.

How to Prevent Aging: 5 Steps to Stay Healthy and Fit

Can aging be prevented? What cautionary measures can you take to live a long and healthy life? Scientists already have enough evidence to know there are things you can do right now to increase your chances of living a long and healthy life. In Ageless, Andrew Steele points out that we already have evidence that these measures are effective at keeping us fit and healthy as we age. Continue reading to learn how to prevent aging.

Peter Drucker: Knowledge Workers Make Up the US Workforce

What does the term “knowledge worker” mean? What should the goal of knowledge workers be? According to Peter Drucker, knowledge workers are employees whose primary contribution comes from subject-matter expertise that isn’t shared by everyone else in an organization. Knowledge workers are now the driving force in most, if not all, businesses and organizations. Learn how to guide knowledge workers and utilize their talents.

Amazon in 2001: How Jeff Bezos Rose Above Bad Share Prices

How did Amazon survive its first major downturn? Why does Amazon value its relationship with customers so much? In Invent and Wander, Jeff Bezos looks back at Amazon 2001’s crisis when share prices dropped dramatically. Yet it was still a learning experience for Bezos, who managed to turn things around for Amazon. Discover the lessons Bezos took away from Amazon’s share price dropping in 2001.

Starting Fresh: The 3 Types of New Beginnings in Life

How can you benefit from starting fresh? What opportunities come with a fresh start? Starting fresh gives you the chance to reevaluate your priorities and establish new habits and behaviors. There are many kinds of new beginnings that offer good opportunities for starting fresh, and knowing how to recognize them can help you take charge of your life. Read on to learn how to take advantage of new beginnings and start fresh in a meaningful way.

The Consequences of Infant Neglect and Lack of Physical Affection

What are the consequences of infant neglect? How does a lack of physical affection impact development? Infant neglect, such as the deprivation of touch, prevents a baby from developing a healthy stress response system and can even stunt physical development. Understanding how this works gives you great insight into a baby’s needs. Learn from this case study about the importance of physical touch and care for infants.

How to Create a Movement (and Not Just a Business)

What makes something a movement? What if you could create a movement instead of just running a business? Imagine you have a product or service that can change people’s lives—one that can help them reach their most ambitious goals financially or personally. Russell Brunson says you should look at your product or service as merely a tool that supports something much greater—a movement. Read more to learn how to create a movement and not just a business.

Russell Brunson’s Epiphany Bridge: The 5-Step Product Story

When do people make purchasing decisions? How can you create that moment and make the most of it? Russell Brunson’s Epiphany Bridge is a framework to help you tell a story about your product. It has proven to be an effective way to convey the important details of your product and get people excited about it. Keep reading to learn how to present your product and company in a way that will turn customers into lifelong fans.

2 Narratives Borne Out of Elon Musk’s Charismatic Leadership

Why is there a market for electric vehicles? Why are people venturing into the arena of space travel? Economist Robert J. Shiller asserts that certain narratives take off and take hold because they receive influential endorsements. He credits the charismatic leadership of Elon Musk for two of these economic narratives. Keep reading to learn how Elon Musk’s charismatic leadership has captured our imagination in two sectors of the economy.

Abraham Lincoln’s Political Career (And There Was Light)

How and why did Abraham Lincoln get into politics? When did his centrist approach fail him? What song did he want played after the announcement of the Union’s victory? In And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham discusses Abraham Lincoln’s political career, including the president’s actions during the Civil War. Meacham also provides some background information that sheds light on Lincoln’s politics and abilities. Continue reading to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s political career.