In her book. How Work Works, Michelle P. King introduces the compelling concept of “Reading the Air.” Based on a common Japanese phrase, “Ba no Kuuki wo Yomu,” “understanding the situation without words,” or “sensing someone’s feelings,” Reading the Air revolves around the skill of understanding the unspoken norms and dynamics of a workplace. Moreover, it’s […]
Words Into Works #100 | Rational Optimism
In his book, Same as Ever, Morgan Housel addresses the complex interplay between optimism and pessimism, emphasizing the necessity of balancing these seemingly contradictory mindsets for progress. He suggests that the best approach in life, particularly in finance, is to save like a pessimist but invest like an optimist. Housel illustrates this philosophy through various […]
Words Into Works #099 | The Six Principles of Effective Writing
In Writing for Busy Readers, Jessica Lasky-Fink and Todd Rogers share six universal principles of effective writing. Adaptable to any context, the authors tailor these guidelines to diverse writers and readers, acknowledging varied voices, experiences, and biases. Let’s detail each principle and explore how to communicate effectively in today’s fast-paced world. The Six Principles of […]
Words Into Works #094 | First Principles
In his book Think Like a Rocket Scientist, rocket scientist turned-author Ozan Varol emphasizes the importance of breaking free from conventional thinking. While our past experiences and knowledge can be valuable, explains Varol, they can also limit our perspectives, causing us to mimic others or rely on outdated assumptions. Varol suggests that, rather than imitating, we […]
Words Into Works #086 | The Six Mindsets for Solving Problems Under Uncertainty
In their book, The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times, Charles R. Conn and Robert McLean delve into what sets exceptional problem solvers apart. To do that, they outline six interconnected strategies that drive the problem-solving abilities of top leaders, offering guidance for navigating uncertainty successfully. Let’s look at each in turn. The Six Mindsets […]