Shortform Books

Partible Paternity: The Evidence of Natural Promiscuity?

What is partible paternity? Do cultures that practice partible paternity prove that humans are naturally promiscuous? In their book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá look to modern foraging societies that practice partible paternity (the idea that more than one man can be the biological father to a child) as evidence that humans are not meant to be monogamous. One group they cited as evidence is known as the Ye’kwana people. Continue below for Ryan and Jethá’s argument about partible paternity and promiscuity.

How to Foster a Culture of Empowerment at Work

Why is it important to empower your employees? What are some ways to empower your team in a meaningful way? Employees who feel strong and empowered under your leadership will perform well. Conversely, employees who feel powerless and incompetent will underperform, feel disengaged, and might even be looking for opportunities to leave an organization. To foster a culture of empowerment, follow these principles.

Understanding the Multi-Sided Platform Business Model

What is the multi-sided platform business model? How do companies that run on an MSP business model create value for their customers? A multi-sided platform business model (MSP) is where a platform connects several distinct groups of customers with mutual interests. This business model is not a new development—it has existed for centuries. However, it started gaining prominence only in the last decade or so thanks to the advancement of the internet. Keep reading to learn about the concept of the multi-sided platform business model and its key characteristics.

How to Market Your Brand: 3 Tips for Success

What makes an effective marketing strategy? What are some things you should keep in mind when designing a marketing strategy for your brand? A good marketing strategy builds both trust and awareness. If you have just awareness but no trust, your sales will be inconsistent and modest. If you have trust but little awareness, you’ll likely not sell enough. Keep reading for tips on how to market your brand for maximum trust and exposure.

Tribes by Seth Godin: Definition & Characteristics

What makes any group a tribe? How does Tribes by Seth Godin define a tribe? Tribes are everywhere. Likely, you’re in more than one. In Tribes, Seth Godin defines a tribe as a group of people connected to a belief, a leader, and each other. Keep reading to get some insight on the concept of tribes according to Seth Godin’s Tribes—as well as some supplementary ideas and counterpoints from other experts.

Accountability in Leadership: Stop These 5 Bad Habits

Why is accountability important in leadership? What are the five bad habits that you should look out for and improve on? Accountability in leadership is important to being respected by your employees and fellow leaders. However, many leaders tend to make these mistakes—even if they don’t notice it. These five bad habits all relate to avoiding accountability in leadership: making excuses for your poor behavior and refusing to take responsibility for your actions.

How to Master the Art of Building Trust as a Leader

Is building trust as a leader important? How do you demonstrate trustworthiness as a leader? Building trust in your team is important because it lets you rely on others and feel that they have your best interest in mind. The trust you build will help facilitate an innovative culture in your team. Demonstrate trustworthiness by keeping confidence, being nonjudgmental, and respecting boundaries. Read on to learn more about building trust as a leader.

How to Live Like the Superior Man: Tips From Deida

How does the Superior Man live his life? How can you like the Superior Man? In the book The Way of the Superior Man, Deida explains that the Superior Man lives his life with purpose, authenticity, and love. Deida’s goal is to help you to reclaim the passion in your relationship and enjoy the fullest degree of intimacy and fulfillment. Continue below for Deida’s advice on how to become the Superior Man.

Promoting Your Startup on a Tight Budget: 10 Principles

Have you just launched your first product? What is the most affordable way to publicize it? As a startup, it’s unlikely you’ll have much to spare on promotion. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to promote your business without spending any (or much) money. In this article, we’ll share 10 principles of startup promotion on a tight advertising budget.

The Sociosexual Habits of Humans and Apes

What can the sociosexual habits of apes teach us about the evolution of human sexuality? Were the authors of Sex at Dawn right to compare the habits of humans and apes? In the book Sex at Dawn, authors Ryan and Jethá say they can disprove the standard narrative of human sexuality by looking at the sociosexual habits of great apes, specifically chimpanzees and bonobos. However, other scientists have questioned Ryan and Jethá’s conclusions. Keep reading for Ryan and Jethá’s findings.