Shortform Books

Deductive vs. Inductive Thinking: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between deductive vs. inductive thinking? Which cultures tend to adopt either style of thinking? Deductive thinking moves from broad, overarching principles to specific observations. In contrast, inductive thinking moves from specific data points to overarching hypotheses or theories. According to cultural communication expert Erin Meyer, Latin Americans tend to be deductive thinkers, whereas North Americans and people from Anglo-Saxon countries tend towards inductive thinking. In this article, we’ll consider the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning in a cultural context.

The Key Characteristics of Hierarchical Cultures

What is a hierarchical culture? How do hierarchical cultures approach leadership? In a hierarchical culture, the power distance is high. In other words, your rank matters. In some hierarchical cultures (notably, Asian), respect is a two-way street. It is not just the subordinate’s duty to obey. Rather, the boss is responsible for the success and well-being of his employees. He is often viewed as a paternalistic figure. Keep reading to learn about the key characteristics of hierarchical cultures and how they develop.

Inauthentic Behavior: Why Are People so Fake?

6 Ways to Recognize Fake Empathy in the Workplace

Do you consider yourself an authentic person? How does modern culture encourage inauthentic behavior? Your environment (social circle and media) is constantly trying to shape you into something that you should be. The underlying message is that you should be, do, or have more to be “good enough.” If you’re sensitive to these opinions and focus more on satisfying the expectations of others than you do on figuring out what you need to feel inner fulfillment—this external focus inhibits you from acting authentically. In this article, we’ll take a look at the two ways modern culture encourages inauthentic behavior: 1)

How to End a Conversation Without Burning Bridges

Do you ever get stuck in a conversation and don’t know how to end it? Is there a way to politely escape a conversation? Whether you’re at a business party, an event, or a family reunion, odds are that at some point you’ve been stuck in an awkward conversation. Luckily, you don’t have to fake a phone call to get out of it—just try one of these tips. In this article, we’ll explore how to gracefully end a conversation without burning any bridges.

Faith for Overcoming Obstacles: Believe and Prevail

What obstacles in life have you overcome with the help of faith? Do you believe that the simple act of faith can change one’s life outcomes? When you think about defeat, you tend to get defeated. Instead, adopt a mindset where you don’t believe in defeat. This mindset requires faith for overcoming obstacles. As one of the Bible passages holds “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). In this article, we’ll explore how the power of faith can help you overcome any obstacle in your way.

The 3 Influences in Growth Mindset Development

How do you develop a growth mindset? Is it something you can practice or does it come from experience? A growth mindset means that you believe you have the ability to improve over time. A fixed mindset is believing that your intelligence and ability to learn are relatively set. In her book Grit, Angela Duckworth says that fixed or growth mindset development is underpinned by three factors: 1) childhood feedback, 2) habits of thinking, 3) experiences of overcoming adversity. Here are the three factors that determine whether you have a growth or fixed mindset.

The Slight Edge: Principles of Success Over Time

What does it take to achieve success? More importantly, what does it take to sustain success over time? In his book The Sligh Edge, author Jeff Olson argues that success is built over time with small disciplines executed on a consistent basis. Further, he presents six core principles that, when adhered to, will create continual success in whatever it is you are striving for. In this article, we’ll explore the six The Slight Edge principles by Jeff Olson.

The Link Between Team Diversity and Innovation

How are team diversity and innovation connected? How can working abroad increase one’s chances of making an impactful discovery? In his book Range, David Epstein discusses the link between team diversity and innovation. Epstein says that the more diverse the backgrounds of the team members, the greater the chance they will make a discovery or innovation Here’s David Epstein’s argument.

The 3 Core Principles of Objective Decision-Making

Why is objective decision-making important? How do you make objective decisions? Objective decision-making is important because it helps you focus on verifiable facts and embrace contrary thinking that may be more correct than the prevailing wisdom. You can always stay objective by recognizing that it’s easy to delude yourself, readily entertaining other opinions, and being willing to destroy your favorite ideas. Read on to discover the 3 steps to objective decision-making.

The Key Components of a Successful Conversation

Do you know how to engage in small talk? What are the mechanics of a successful conversation? Should you prepare in advance? In her book The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine breaks down all of the components of a successful conversation. She gives you advice for questions and answers you should prepare in advance, how to actively listen, cues to give your partner, and how to speak assertively. Here are Debra Fine’s tips on how to hold a successful conversation.