Shortform Books

What Did Ulysses S. Grant Do as President of the US?

What did Ulysses S. Grant do as president of the United States? Was he considered a good president? In 1868, as the Republican nominee, Grant defeated incumbent Andrew Johnson to become the 18th President. In Grant, Ron Chernow analyzes Grant’s legacy of Reconstruction—the era lasting from the Civil War’s end until 1877—which saw him attempt to defend civil rights for Black Americans while reconciling with the South. Let’s take a look at what Ulysses S. Grant accomplished (or failed to accomplish) as president.

How to Climb the Corporate Ladder & Get a Promotion

Do you want a promotion at your job? How do you climb the corporate ladder and reach the highest point of your career? The corporate ladder is a term used to describe the progression of one’s career, typically starting at an entry-level position. Reaching the top of the corporate ladder means getting a promotion, a pay raise, or more responsibility at a company in general. Keep reading to learn how to climb the corporate ladder and have your hard work pay off.

The Result of Ignoring Symptoms of Business Failure

What happens when leaders ignore the symptoms of business failure? Can a company collapse overnight? According to How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins, a major contributor to a company’s downfall is when it disregards signs of decline. Because leaders ignore these signs, they make reckless decisions with potentially disastrous consequences. Continue reading to learn the consequences of ignoring the symptoms of a failing business.

Team Player vs. Lone Wolf Personality Type in the Workplace

Which people on your team work best in collaboration? Which ones have a lone wolf personality type? We all have mental habits or motivation patterns that inform the way we behave. One of these is our work style. Generally, people prefer to work alone or in collaboration with others. They find that one style over the other brings out the best in their performance. Read more to learn how to identify the work style of the people on your team and interact with them in a way that resonates with their style.

What Are the Risks of Bonds? 2 Reasons Why You Should Be Wary

What are the risks of bonds? Do they carry more or less risk than stocks? Many investors think that bonds are less risky than stocks. However, in his book Beating the Street, famed mutual fund manager Peter Lynch explains that bonds offer poorer returns than stocks over the long haul. Read more to understand the basics of how bonds work and two of the primary risks that come with investing in them.

Mastering Conflict in Teams: How to Overcome Dysfunction #2

Do your team members know how to handle disagreements in a constructive way? Or, do they let conflict build up until it explodes? In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni says that, once you’ve tackled Dysfunction #1 (the absence of trust), you can take on Dysfunction #2: a fear of conflict. When it’s managed well, conflict is healthy for teams. Continue reading to learn Lencioni’s advice for mastering conflict in teams.

Are Stocks Better Than Bonds? Why Peter Lynch Says “Yes”

Are stocks better than bonds? Which investment carries a greater risk? Despite their reputation as a riskier and more volatile investment, stocks have significantly outperformed bonds over the long term. Peter Lynch explains how bonds work and details some of the main risks that come from investing in them. Then he outlines why he promotes stocks as a superior investment. Keep reading to understand Lynch’s argument and to get a different perspective from Vanguard founder John Bogle.

Seeing World Hierarchies Through the Lens of Network Theory

What role does hierarchy play in keeping the peace? What impact do totalitarian hierarchies have on people? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory—the study of how people and other entities connect with each other—to the study of world history to reveal, among other truths, whether government hierarchies are truly necessary. Read more to understand world hierarchies through this lens.

How to Become a Master: 4 Imperatives in the Pursuit of Your Craft

When you embark on the path of mastery, what should you pack in your suitcase? What mindset do you need? What must you understand and accept? George Leonard spent years as a student and teacher of two disciplines: flying jets and practicing aikido (a Japanese martial art known for its subtle complexities). He wrote Mastery, originally published in 1991, to share the expertise he gained in these pursuits. Read on to learn how to become a master of your chosen skill, craft, or art.

Self-Preoccupied vs. Interpersonally Aware: Spot the Difference

What’s the difference between self-preoccupied people and interpersonally aware people? How can you influence both types? In Words That Change Minds, communication and influencing language expert Shelle Rose Charvet explains the difference between these two wirings. She contends that, if you learn how someone thinks, you can consciously match their frame of reference and speak in a language they understand. Keep reading to understand both self-preoccupation and interpersonal awareness and how to interact effectively with both types.