“Around you there are many examples of ways to solve your own problems and create compelling opportunities. Learn to look outside.”
David Mansfield
Revolution Reading
Business books and articles are an excellent source of new ideas and different perspectives. Each selection will be summarised, highlighting the lessons to be learned and an actionable idea that David recommends you apply to your business. A new Revolution Reading will be added every month.
Talking to Strangers
By Malcolm Gladwell
What's it about?
Through a series of fascinating case studies and infamous legal cases, Malcolm Gladwell explores why, as a society, we are inept at talking to people we don’t know. Gladwell provides thought-provoking insight into humans and their interactions with others. He covers topics such as police misconduct, sexual assault and suicide – to illustrate the profound impact that making assumptions and misreading strangers can have on us.
The audio version of this book is highly recommended as it features some interviews with people featured in the cases, which adds depth to Gladwell’s narration.
What's in it for me?
It will help you to explore your own behaviour in dealing with strangers and guide you in building stronger relationships.
What can I learn?
- The flaws of ‘transparency’: How people’s behaviour and the way they represent themselves on the outside is not necessarily an authentic window into their personality on the inside.
- The “default to truth” theory: We generally assume that the people we are dealing with are honest and telling the truth. Any doubts are overridden. We have to reach a high threshold of doubt before we are willing to entertain the idea that someone is lying.
- We should think twice before drawing conclusions about the behaviour of others.
- We should take the time to make sense of a stranger by being thoughtful and willing to look beyond the external façade of the person. It is also important to take the time, place and context of your interaction into account.
“We start by believing. And we stop believing only when our doubts and misgivings rise to the point where we can no longer explain them away.”
Start on Monday:
Try to invest more of your time and patience in truly getting to know a person. One way to do this is by developing your listening skills.
Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
What's in it for me?
This is not your typical checklist and tips business book. It is an honest account of the often tumultuous road to success, which will energise and inspire the most determined entrepreneurs.
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
What's in it for me?
You will find out how habits are formed, how to make them stick and how embracing habits is a great way to take control of your life and achieve more.
Only the Paranoid Survive, by Andrew S. Grove
What's in it for me?
Learn how one of the most successful companies in the world survived moments of crisis. Gove gives advice on how to identify ‘strategic inflection points’ and lead teams through them.
