Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

3 Reasons Why We’re Addicted to Reactive Problem-Solving

Are you more likely to reach for an ambiguous solution or a clear one? How does a problem’s urgency affect your approach to solving it? Dan Heath argues that people should always strive for upstream solutions because they tend to have longer-lasting benefits and provide opportunities to reduce human suffering. But, we typically gravitate toward reactive problem-solving instead. Keep reading to learn three reasons why we’re biased in this direction.

How to Hone Your Work Style to Create Masterful Work

What’s your work style? Did you create it deliberately? Would you like to develop your own unique way of working? Throughout history, many famous innovators—whether they engineered scientific breakthroughs or composed revolutionary musical pieces—went through a process of developing their own style of work. You, too, can go through this process and make a unique mark on the world. Read more to learn how to develop a personal style that sets you and your work apart in your field.

Why Your Company Needs a Corporate Story & How to Craft One

Do you talk about your company’s timeline, only to have people tune out? How well do people know the journey that your organization is on? In his book Unleash the Power of Storytelling, Rob Biesenbach contends that you can make any message much more compelling by simply telling a story. He shares his practical template for a narrative that explains your company’s history, mission, and values in an engaging way. Read on to learn the importance of a corporate story and how to create one for your organization.

The Problems With Renewable Energy: How Solar & Wind Fail Us

Is the use of solar and wind energy good for the environment? Why are conservationists at odds with environmentalists? The primary driver of climate change, and the most important issue to tackle, is society’s ever-growing energy consumption. Renewables are all the rage. However, as Michael Shellenberger explains, renewable energy has its own disadvantages and even harmful effects. Read more to learn about the problems with renewable energy.

How to Master Something: Commit to Learning & Find Your Style

How do people rise to the top of their field? What craft would you like to master? The Daily Laws by Robert Greene is based on 25 years of research on power, mastery, and human nature. He explains what it means to master something, and he shares the steps you must take in pursuing mastery in your field. Keep reading to learn how to master something and fulfill your potential.

Crafting & Sharing Your Career Story With Others (and Yourself)

Do you look at your career as just a timeline with points on it? What if you saw it as a story? Whether you realize it or not, your career has a narrative. It has a beginning, a middle, and an end (in the past or in the future). You’re the main character who has certain motivations and faces obstacles along the way. Keep reading to learn how putting your career story into words can be powerful for colleagues, prospective employers, and even yourself.

The Benefits of Nuclear Power: A Safe, Clean, & Reliable Choice

How costly are nuclear power plants? Can they keep up with growing energy demands? How safe are they? We can’t get away from our dependence on energy. Michael Shellenberger argues that nuclear is the way to go. He explains the benefits of nuclear power and addresses the reservations and misconceptions many people have about it. Read on to understand Shellenberger’s argument for nuclear power, and see whether you’re convinced.

Upstream Data-Driven Solutions: Strategies & Challenges

When you’re implementing change, what metrics should you monitor? How can you protect the process when data fails you? In Upstream, Dan Heath explains how people can intentionally foster an upstream mindset to effect real change. He recommends several ways you can implement upstream solutions in any context. One of these is using data to guide experimentation. Read more to learn about data-driven solutions and some challenges that come with the territory.

How to Read a Person: 3 Insightful Tips From Robert Greene

What are people really thinking? What are their true emotions? What if you could know? According to Robert Greene, power dynamics play a role in all areas of life. You must learn how to navigate them to get what you want. To use power dynamics to your advantage, you must first develop a realistic understanding of human nature. That requires you to get past a person’s facade. Continue reading to learn how to read a person and understand who they truly are and what they really want.