Shortform Books

What Is Network Theory? Historian Niall Ferguson Explains

What is network theory? How does it explain the way humans interact and organize themselves? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory to the study of world history. He describes social, commercial, and other networks that existed at various times in history. First, he explains what network theory is and how networks operate. Read more to understand what network theory is and to learn about different types of networks.

How to Seek Feedback From People Who Support You

How does good feedback push you toward your goals? Where should you go to seek feedback? According to How Champions Think by Bob Rotella, you should look for supportive people who genuinely want you to succeed for advice. They won’t try to tear you down, but they’ll also give you honest and constructive feedback that you need. Find out how to get the feedback you need to hear.

Ulysses S. Grant: Civil Rights Activist Post-Civil War

Was Ulysses S. Grant a civil rights activist? How did Grant help Black citizens during his presidency? For Ulysses S. Grant, civil rights was an important issue that needed to be protected after the Civil War. In his book Grant, Ron Chernow argues that Grant’s work as president was essential for safeguarding Black citizens’ civil rights and helping them transition out of slavery. Below we’ll focus on three key instances of Grant encouraging civil rights.

The Effects of Poor Leadership on Big Companies

What are the effects of poor leadership? What’s “bad growth” in business? According to How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins, a successful company could become obsessed with growth in all the wrong ways, which he calls overreaching. This is mainly caused by leaders who believe that bigger is always better, but don’t necessarily pay attention to the finer details. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of poor leadership on successful businesses.

How to Push Through: Encouragement for the Master’s Journey

Have you been slowed down by discouragement, perfectionism, or even an injury? What does it mean to “compete with spirit”? The path of mastery is not always smooth. As you pursue a discipline of any kind, you’re bound to run into obstacles, find yourself sidelined, or even get knocked off your feet. Educator George Leonard describes how you can press on in strength as you walk the lifelong path of the master. Read more for Leonard’s encouraging advice on how to push through when the going gets tough.

How to Recognize Stress Personalities & Speak Their Language

The 25 Cognitive Biases: Doubt Avoidance Tendency

How do you respond to stress? If someone wants to persuade you of something when you’re stressed, what tack should they take? In Words That Change Minds, Shelle Rose Charvet discusses two basic stress personalities. She explains how you can identify someone’s stress personality and speak to them in an influential way in the midst of a stressful situation. Keep reading to learn about the two basic stress personalities and how to get through to people and even influence them during times of stress.

The Team-Building Process: Insights From Patrick Lencioni

At what point is a team too large? Are team-building activities worth it? Renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni knows all about teams. In his book Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, he defines what a team is and provides guidance on putting a team together and getting it on the right track from the start. Read on for Lencioni’s recommendations for the team-building process.

Patrick Lencioni: Trust Means More Than You Might Think

Do your team members feel like they can be completely open with you and each other? Or, do they tend to guard themselves and be careful about what they share? According to Patrick Lencioni, trust is foundational to team performance. He has written two books about the dysfunctions of teams. The first dysfunction is a lack of trust among team members. He explains what he means by trust, why it’s critical, and how to build it. Keep reading to learn about team trust.

Hierarchical Network Model in Society: 3 Truths About Hierarchies

What, exactly, is a hierarchy? What does a hierarchical network look like in society? Historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory to his analysis of world history. In doing so, he makes three key observations: Hierarchies are necessary to maintain social order, additional networks tend to undermine hierarchies, and hierarchies can deal with only a limited amount of complexity. Continue reading to see how Ferguson applies the hierarchical network model to society.

How to Enjoy Everyday Life: Finding Joy in Mastering the Mundane

Do you dread doing the dishes? Do everyday tasks seem small and insignificant? With a shift in attitude, you can find significance and even joy in life’s smallest moments. In Mastery, George Leonard says the path of the master is a life lived in disciplined dedication to your chosen skill, craft, or art. The most direct way to get on this path is to master the mundane aspects of your day. Keep reading for Leonard’s insights into how to enjoy everyday life.