Charles Bukowski, reminding us where the power lies: If you let them kill you, they will. Ps. this is a book title, not necessarily a direct quote, h/t the always lovely Bukowski Forums
Category: books
The Power Of Letting Others Say “No”
Next time you need someone to make a decision, don’t get them to say “yes,” figure out how to make them say, “no.” It shows you respect their agency and allows them to feel in control of their decision. Chris Voss (former hostage negotiator, author of Never Split The Difference) was sitting first class on … Continue reading The Power Of Letting Others Say “No”
Re-Reading With Osmosis (Colin Chung)
I got a bit ahead of myself with writing/scheduling posts this month, seeing as I've had a bit going on (like a job change, read about that here). Beyond reading books, and then re-reading them, and then listening to podcasts with their authors - there's one other thing I love to do to keep good … Continue reading Re-Reading With Osmosis (Colin Chung)
Empathy Isn’t Agreement, It’s Understanding
When we have empathy for someone, we aren’t agreeing with them so much as we are demonstrating an understanding of what/why they’re feeling what they are. Not being in agreement while still understanding is a superpower. Someone can be mad at the rain and you can both think that’s pointless but also recognize the disappointment … Continue reading Empathy Isn’t Agreement, It’s Understanding
Podcast Of The Week: Everything In Life Is A Negotiation (Voss Meets Jocko)
Yes, this is a long podcast episode. Yes, you can read the book or listen to the audiobook version in probably 2x the time. Yes, yes, yes this is an excellent overview and review of Voss’ insights and how to tactically apply hostage negotiating skills to life and business. Check out “Everything In Life Is … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Everything In Life Is A Negotiation (Voss Meets Jocko)
Re-Reading With Podcasts
Chris Voss’ Never Split The Difference was one of those books I finished and then immediately restarted. In the years since I first read it, I’ve gone back to notes and sections multiple times, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like a book I’ll ever go back to reread in full. Sometimes I find, … Continue reading Re-Reading With Podcasts
“We Game The Things We’ve Given Up On” – Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell has been re-examing some of the ideas he popularized in his book Outliers. He took a visit to Adam Grant’s classroom at UPenn’s Wharton School to run an experiment: Could a group of college seniors and recent graduates identify what shared but rarely discussed privilege they all had in common? I won’t spoil … Continue reading “We Game The Things We’ve Given Up On” – Gladwell
The Fellowship of Bingo, Trotter, And The Rings
Your first draft is just the beginning. Don’t be afraid just to get ideas on the page. J.R.R. Tolkein had some rough (ROUGH) drafts of his Lord of the Rings stories before they were finished. Frodo, the main Hobbit in the 3-part series, was originally called Bingo. I know - not so heroic right? He … Continue reading The Fellowship of Bingo, Trotter, And The Rings
Capture What They Think Looks Good (Dapper Dan)
Dapper Dan’s book full of entrepreneurial lessons, but this quote from the intro on how “value” is determined by the person doing the purchasing, and “advice” always contains an element of truth, is perfect: The secret to what I do, is to capture what you think you look good in. But I also had a … Continue reading Capture What They Think Looks Good (Dapper Dan)
Know When To Have Grit, Know When To Quit
Annie Duke’s new book on quitting is out soon (it’s called Quit). Phil Tetlock* has a blurb on the cover and it’s fantastic: The opposite of a great virtue is also a virtue. And Quit is the perfect dialectical complement to Grit. Weave these two virtues into your character and live a much more fulfilling … Continue reading Know When To Have Grit, Know When To Quit