Chapters : ADAPTOVATE's Book club
CHAPTERS: ADAPTOVATE'S Book Club is designed to encourage our team and other consulting professionals to collectively read the same books that will then trigger discussion, diverse thinking, and learning from each other. The books have been chosen by our consultants.
But why keep it to ourselves. We welcome you to follow along with our reading choices, and check back here for discussion points, including what our consultants thoughts were after each book.
The 2024 Chapters: ADAPTOVATE'S Book Club reading list:
February-March: Ultralearning by Scott Young
About the author: From Scott Young website "I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start."
About the book via Goodreads: Learn a new talent, stay relevant, reinvent yourself, and adapt to whatever the workplace throws your way. Ultralearning offers nine principles to master hard skills quickly. This is the essential guide to future-proof your career and maximize your competitive advantage through self-education.
Consultants review: "A Transformative guide for anyone seeking to master new skills quickly and effectively. In a world where traditional education often isn’t enough to stand out from the crowd, Young's book provides a strategic approach to self-directed learning that accelerates career and personal development. By offering practical techniques and real-life examples, Ultralearning shows how intense focus and deliberate practice can lead to mastery faster than conventional methods. In an era where ongoing skill acquisition and development are crucial, this book equips readers with the tools to stay ahead, reduce learning time, and achieve their goals with efficiency and precision."
Website: https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ultralearning/
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
April-May: Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman
About the author: Daniel Kahneman is Eugene Higgins Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Princeton University and a professor of public affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He received the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his pioneering work with Amos Tversky on decision-making. He is the author of the international bestseller Thinking, Fast and Slow. (sourced from Macmillan USA)
About the book via Goodreads: In the highly anticipated Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman takes us on a groundbreaking tour of the mind and explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. Kahneman exposes the extraordinary capabilities—and also the faults and biases—of fast thinking, and reveals the pervasive influence of intuitive impressions on our thoughts and behavior. The impact of loss aversion and overconfidence on corporate strategies, the difficulties of predicting what will make us happy in the future, the challenges of properly framing risks at work and at home, the profound effect of cognitive biases on everything from playing the stock market to planning the next vacation—each of these can be understood only by knowing how the two systems work together to shape our judgments and decisions.
Consultants review: "A detailed insight into the dual systems of the human brain which shape decision making and behaviours. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, delves into the workings of the human mind, distinguishing between the fast, intuitive judgments of System 1 and the slow, deliberate reasoning of System 2. This book uncovers how cognitive biases and heuristics influence our choices and highlights the profound impact these mental processes have on everything from personal decisions to public policy. In an age where understanding human behaviour is crucial for navigating complex interactions and making informed choices, Kahneman’s insights provide valuable strategies for improving decision-making and avoiding common pitfalls."
Website: https://us.macmillan.com/author/danielkahneman
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
June-July: Alchemy by Rory Sutherland
About the author: Rory Sutherland is the vice-chairman of Ogilvy UK and the co-founder of its Behavioural Science Practice. He is the author of Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas that Don’t Make Sense, writes The Spectator’s Wiki Man column, presents several series for Radio 4, serves on the advisory board of the Evolution Institute and is former president of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising. His TED talks have been viewed more than 7 million times. (Sourced from Goodreads)
About the book via Goodreads: In many crucial areas of our lives, reason plays a vanishingly small part. Instead we are driven by unconscious desires, which is why placebos are so powerful. We are drawn to the beautiful, the extravagant and the absurd – from lavish wedding invitations to tiny bottles of the latest fragrance. So if you want to influence people’s choices you have to bypass reason. The best ideas don’t make rational sense: they make you feel more than they make you think.
Consultants review: "A captivating exploration into unconventional ways of thinking that drive innovation and success in products and services we all use in everyday life. The book challenges traditional logic by revealing how irrational and creative approaches can often yield better results than conventional methods. Sutherland highlights how embracing psychological insights and lateral thinking can transform brands, business strategies, and personal decisions. In a world where conventional wisdom frequently falls short, "Alchemy" encourages readers to rethink problem-solving and harness the power of creative, non-linear solutions to achieve extraordinary outcomes and create impactful change."
Website: (from Goodreads) https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6480560.Rory_Sutherland
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
Aug-Sept: The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
About the author: Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business. He is the author of The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion and The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom. He lives in New York City. (sourced from Goodreads)
About the book via Goodreads: In his widely praised book, award-winning psychologist Jonathan Haidt examines the world’s philosophical wisdom through the lens of psychological science, showing how a deeper understanding of enduring maxims-like Do unto others as you would have others do unto you, or What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger-can enrich and even transform our lives.
Website: https://jonathanhaidt.com/
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
Oct-Nov: Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
About the author: Kate Raworth (sounds like ‘Ray-worth’) is a renegade economist focused on making economics fit for 21st century realities. She is the creator of the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries, and co-founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab. (sourced from kateraworth.com)
Her internationally best-selling book Doughnut Economics: seven ways to think like a 21st century economist has been translated into over 20 languages and has been widely influential with diverse audiences, from the UN General Assembly to Pope Francis to Extinction Rebellion.
About the book via Goodreads: Economics is broken. It has failed to predict, let alone prevent, financial crises that have shaken the foundations of our societies. Its outdated theories have permitted a world in which extreme poverty persists while the wealth of the super-rich grows year on year. And its blind spots have led to policies that are degrading the living world on a scale that threatens all of our futures.
Website: https://www.kateraworth.com/
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
The 2023 Chapters: ADAPTOVATE'S Book Club reading list:
February-March: How To Listen by Oscar Trimboli
About the author: Oscar Trimboli is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening and a sought-after keynote speaker. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace. Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced first-hand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words.
About the book via Goodreads: In How to Listen, Oscar Trimboli, host of the Apple-award-winning podcast Deep Listening, shows you how to unlock your listening superpowers to have more impactful conversations at work and home. Through stories, exercises, and tips, Trimboli shares invaluable insights to help you notice when you aren’t listening—and what to do about it.
Consultants review: "Communication is a crucial part of a leader's capacity, responsible for over 80% of their time. However, the importance of effective communication and listening is often overlooked. How to Listen by Oscar Trimboli is a comprehensive guide that highlights the significance of listening and shows you how to unlock your listening superpowers for more impactful conversations at work and home. In today's world, where technology links us more than ever, fractured and disconnected conversations have become a norm. To avoid frustration, confusion, and decreased productivity, it is essential to improve the quality of conversations. By learning how to truly listen, you not only reduce conflicts and confusion but also save time by paying attention to what matters. Mastering the art of communication through effective listening helps build powerful connections in all aspects of your life."
Max Miller, Sydney ADAPTOVATE.
Website: https://www.oscartrimboli.com/
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
April-May: Nudge by Richard Thaler
About the author: Richard H. Thaler is the 2017 recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to behavioral economics. Thaler studies behavioral economics and finance as well as the psychology of decision-making which lies in the gap between economics and psychology. He investigates the implications of relaxing the standard economic assumption that everyone in the economy is rational and selfish, instead entertaining the possibility that some of the agents in the economy are sometimes human. (source Chicago Booth)
About the book via Blinkist: The message of Nudge is to show us how we can be encouraged, with just a slight nudge or two, to make better decisions. The book starts by explaining the reasons for wrong decisions we make in everyday life.
Consultants review "If you’re interested in how small changes can lead to big improvements, you have to check out Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. This book is all about using “nudges” - subtle design changes - to influence people’s behavior in a positive way. It’s packed with practical examples and case studies that show how nudges can be used to encourage better decision-making in everything from healthcare to financial planning. Whether you’re a problem-solver, a strategist, or just someone who wants to make a difference, Nudge is a great resource for learning how to design environments that make it easier for people to do the right thing. So, grab a copy and start nudging!" Max Miller, Sydney ADAPTOVATE
Website: https://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/richard-thaler
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
June-July: Mindset by Carol Dweck
About the author: "My work bridges developmental psychology, social psychology, and personality psychology, and examines the self-conceptions people use to structure the self and guide their behavior. My research looks at the origins of these self-conceptions, their role in motivation and self-regulation, and their impact on achievement and interpersonal processes." (source: Standford University)
About the book via Goodreads: After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset — those who believe that abilities are fixed — are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset — those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.
Consultant's Review: Do you have a fixed or a growth mindset? Carol Dweck delves deeply into the concept of these two distinct mindsets that people can hold. Her book introduces the idea of "fixed" versus "growth" mindsets, revealing how our core beliefs about our abilities can greatly impact our success and resilience. It explores how adopting a growth mindset—by embracing challenges, learning from criticism, and persisting through setbacks—can improve performance and lead to greater achievements in various aspects of life. Additionally, the book examines how your childhood and life experiences may have shaped your mindset, and offers strategies for developing a growth-oriented approach.
Website: https://profiles.stanford.edu/carol-dweck
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
Aug-Sept: Atomic Habits by James Clear
About the author: James Clear is a personal development keynote speaker and the author of the #1New York Times Bestseller Atomic Habits. His entertaining talks teach audiences about small habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. (Source: Speakers Associates)
About the book via Goodreads: No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Consultant's Review: "A practical guide for developing and maintaining habits to help you achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. James Clear presents a framework for understanding how tiny, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. By focusing on the power of small, consistent actions and the importance of system-based thinking, the book offers practical strategies for building positive habits, breaking negative ones, and making lasting behavioural changes. In a world where quick fixes often fail, "Atomic Habits" provides actionable insights and techniques to optimise personal and professional growth through the art of habit formation and maintenance."
Website: https://jamesclear.com/
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
Oct-Nov: Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss
About the author: Chris Voss used his many years of experience in international crises and high-stakes negotiations to develop a unique program that applies globally proven techniques to the business world.
Prior to 2008, Chris was the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as the FBI’s hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council’s Hostage Working Group. During his career, he also represented the U.S. government as an expert in kidnapping at two international conferences sponsored by the G8. (Source: https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss )
About the book via Goodreads: A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to negotiating – effective in any situation. After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a kidnapping negotiator brought him face-to-face with bank robbers, gang leaders and terrorists. Never Split the Difference takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most – when people’s lives were at stake.
Consultant's Review: "An insightful exploration not only of negotiation but also of human motivations, effective interaction in personal and professional settings, and strategies for achieving the best outcomes in any negotiation. Drawing on his experiences as an FBI hostage negotiator, Chris Voss provides practical techniques for improving results in any negotiation scenario. The book highlights strategies such as tactical empathy, mirroring, and calibrated questions to effectively influence and persuade others. By moving beyond traditional negotiation methods, it equips readers with powerful tools to manage high-stakes conversations, resolve conflicts, and secure favourable agreements."
Website: https://www.blackswanltd.com/chris-voss
OUR DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How did you interpret the key message of the book?
- What were your top 3 key takeaways?
- What 3 things can professionals take into their daily lives?
- What 3 things could professionals use with clients?
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