Shortform Books

Cross-Team Collaboration: An Essential Key to Innovation

How often do people from different teams in your company work together? Do they communicate effectively? When Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft in 2014, he discovered why the company had fallen behind the pack in terms of innovation. One of the barriers he identified was the lack of collaboration and communication among the various teams in the company. Continue reading to find out how Nadella cultivated cross-team collaboration at Microsoft and to learn seven tips for better cross-team communication.

How the Spirit of Capitalism Arose From the Protestant Ethic

How did capitalism take hold as a major world economy? How much of an influence did religion have? Max Weber argued in his 1905 classic that the early Protestants in western Europe and America pioneered the way of life that became the modern capitalist’s lifestyle. And, in doing so, they provided the cultural and financial impetus for capitalism to become a full-fledged economic system. Continue reading to learn how the spirit of capitalism arose from the Protestant ethic.

How to Avoid Overexertion: Tips for Workaholics

Are you a workaholic? Do you often work yourself to the point of burnout? In today’s hustle culture, many people think the only way to live a productive and rewarding life is to work as hard as possible. This idea is so ingrained in our culture that many work to the point of overexertion, sacrificing their mental and physical health. Here’s how to avoid overexertion and burnout in a culture that never sleeps.

Was Leonardo da Vinci a Scientist? Technically, Yes

Was Leonardo da Vinci a scientist? Why was Leonardo interested in science? Unlike other Renaissance intellectuals, Leonardo da Vinci didn’t study the classics. Instead, he based his education on scientific methodologies such as experiments and observations. Check out why Leonardo da Vinci is technically defined as a scientist, according to his biography by Walter Isaacson.

How to Reduce Bias and Become More Objective

The 25 Cognitive Biases: The Availability Bias

Is there such a thing as an unbiased person? Can you ever be truly objective? We all harbor unconscious biases and preconceived ideas. While it’s probably not possible to escape bias altogether, you can take steps to challenge your preconceived assumptions and think more objectively. Here are some tips on how to reduce bias before it takes root and clouds your judgment.

Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson: Overview

Looking for an overview of Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson? What is the author’s key advice, according to the book? In Guerrilla Marketing, Jay Conrad Levinson argues that traditional approaches to marketing campaigns don’t work for everyone, especially if you own a small business. Levinson’s book offers more affordable, more impactful ways to market your business, even if you have limited resources. Keep reading for an overview of Jay Conrad Levinson’s Guerrilla Marketing, including the key takeaways.

The 3 Parenting Styles Psychologists Say Are Toxic

Which three parenting styles are toxic, according to psychologists? Why are these three styles harmful to children? According to holistic psychologist Nicole LePera, your parents conditioned you to think, feel, and behave in specific ways. If your parents engaged in any of the three parenting styles psychologists have labeled as toxic, then your childhood experiences could have led you to develop defensive beliefs and behaviors. Read on to learn the three toxic parenting styles and their negative effects, according to psychology.

How to Get Rid of Cortisol & Feel Less Stressed

The 25 Cognitive Biases: Instinctive Reaction Tendency

How can you get rid of cortisol? Why does cortisol make you feel more stressed? Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol elevates when you experience stress and anxiety, but luckily there are a few ways to reduce these uneasy feelings. Check out Amelia and Emily Nagoski’s (the authors of Burnout) three techniques to learn how to get rid of cortisol.

Media Propaganda: Part of the Marxist Indoctrination Machine?

Just how bad is media propaganda in America? Is it part of a larger program of Marxist indoctrination? Mark Levin believes that leftists have created a well-oiled indoctrination machine that teaches young Americans to hate the nation and rebel to achieve justice. He argues that the media instructs them on how to act and what to believe. Continue reading to learn Levin’s argument regarding media propaganda.

How to Tackle Global Warming Without Sacrificing Development

Can global warming be tackled without sacrificing economic growth? What are some ways we can address global warming without reducing our energy demand? According to Bill Gates, global warming shouldn’t be the reason to halt economic growth, especially in developing countries. We can find ways to offset the effects of global warming without reducing global energy needs. Here’s how to tackle global warming without sacrificing development, according to Bill Gates.