Shortform Books

Zappos’s Education Pipeline: How It Rewards Workers

12 Powerful Sales Training Ideas to Boost Results

What is Zappos’s education pipeline system? How can it be used to encourage employees to continue their education within your company? Being rewarded for hard work is always a satisfying feeling. The clothing retail store Zappos has an “education pipeline” system of training that rewards its workers during different phases of their employment, and it also benefits the company’s future. Here’s how Zappos uses its education pipeline system and why you should implement this strategy in your company’s training.

How to Write a Critique: Keep These 5 Things in Mind

What makes a good critique? What things should avoid when criticizing a creative work? In his book On Writing Well, American writer, journalist, and teacher William Zinsser shares his tips on how to write a good critique. He lists five things you should keep in mind when criticizing someone’s work. Here are some tips on how to write a good critique.

Science Literacy: Why Stephen Hawking Said It’s Vital

What is science literacy? Why might the future of the human race depend on the next generation of scientists? Science literacy is the understanding and knowledge of science. Before he passed, Stephen Hawking wrote that the survival of the human species will depend on future scientists because he believed the only way humans will avoid extinction is by colonizing space. Here’s why science literacy is so important—and how politics get in the way.

How to Find Your Unique Writing Style

Do you want to discover your unique writing style? What sets your writing apart from everybody else’s? You may be tempted to tailor your writing style to match what you often read online or in books, but that won’t gain you any popularity. Every good writer has their own personality and style, and it’s those differences that set them above the rest, not conformity. Here is how to develop a writing style that’s uniquely yours.

What Is Revelation Knowledge? Joyce Meyer Explains

What is revelation knowledge? How is it different from head knowledge? Author, speaker, and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer argues that one of the signs that we’re under attack by the devil is that our mind is full of uncertainty. She contends that this uncertainty is a product of reasoning that has gone “too far”—causing us to question God or our faith. To combat this, Meyer recommends that we lean on revelation knowledge rather than head knowledge. Read more to learn about Meyer’s notion of revelation knowledge.

How to Use Humor in Writing (Without Being Cringy)

Do you want to know how to use humor in writing? How do you make your humor sound natural rather than forced? The rule of thumb is that if you find something funny, include it. Just make sure you’re not trying to force humor into your writing because the readers will be able to tell. Here are some tips on how to add humor to your writing, from On Writing Well by William Zinsser.

Underdog Advantages: Win Even When You’re Small

Are you the underdog? Do you feel out-gunned by the competition, whether in business or in life? When you first start out on any conquest, chances are that your enemies will have more resources than you. However, this isn’t necessarily a problem. Robert Greene points out that smaller armies are more mobile and easier to conceal. And, if you don’t seem large enough to pose a significant threat, your opponents might simply ignore you. Read more to learn about underdog advantages.

How Your Criticism of Others Might Be an Attack on You

How can your criticism of others harm you? What if you left judgment to God instead? If you find yourself feeling lonely and unhappy, it may be because Satan is attacking your mind and leading you to sabotage your relationships. Joyce Meyer explains that Satan tries to convince you to judge and criticize others, thus causing you to alienate people. Continue reading to better understand how criticism harms—not just others—but you, as well.

Why Friendship at Work Should Be Encouraged

Are friendships at work a bad thing? Will they distract you from your job? In Delivering Happiness, former CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, says that friendship at work should be encouraged. He further explains that he implemented friendship in his company culture to create a happy environment for his employees. Here’s how Zappos motivates friendships at work, and why some people may be against developing a friendly relationship with their co-workers.

Stephen Hawking: God Is Unnecessary

Did Stephen Hawking believe in God? How are Hawking’s views of God similar to that of pantheistic religions? According to the late Stephen Hawking, God is unnecessary because science explains the universe better than religion. However, Hawking didn’t rule out the possibility of God—he said that “God” is the natural laws of the universe rather than a singular being. Here are Stephen Hawking’s ideas about God.