Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. Certainly after reading his previous book The Power of Habit I was really looking forward to this book exploring the science of productivity.
Above all the ideas outline managing ‘how’ you think rather than ‘what’ you think may actually transform your life. Charles provides insights to well told stories. Certainly while a story may be well known to others, your interpretation will provide insights for you toact upon.
Firstly, within Chapter 1 – Motivation: Reimagining Boot Camp, Nursing Home Rebellions, and the Locus of Control. These stories reveal how to adopt a growth mindset. At the same time, his story of Viola and Robert Philippe reveal a view of medical diagnosis. You may be able to leverage the Philippe’s story to reflect upon family or friends similarly impacted. This lesson can assist you in supporting a loved one’s long road to recovery.
Secondly, Chapter 2 – Teams: Psychological Safety at Google and Saturday Night Live. While too many books have been written about Google, looking at how Lorne Michaels at just 36 years of age would begin shaping an American cultural institution is widely appealing. Between Morgan Freeman and Larry David auditioning for SNL’s first season, many will easily understand how bringing teams together can benefit challenges at work, supporting your children’s extra school activities, or leading a volunteer group. Above all, Work Rules by Lazlo Bock would serve you best to understand how Google manages teams.
Chapter 3 – Focus: Cognitive Tunneling, Air France Flight 447, and the Power of Mental Models. Charles is clearly an excellent writer. Certainly his detailed description of Flight 447 which literally fell into the Atlantic ocean in 2009 teaches us to no blindly trust technology.