The Heath brothers (coauthors of Made to Stick) address motivating employees, family members, and ourselves in their analysis of why we too often fear change. Change is not inherently frightening, but our ability to alter our habits can be complicated by the disjunction between our rational and irrational minds: the self that wants to be swimsuit-season ready and the self that acquiesces to another slice of cake anyway. The trick is to find the balance between our powerful drives and our reason.
The authors’ lessons are backed up by anecdotes that deal with such things as new methods used to reform abusive parents, the revitalization of a dying South Dakota town, and the rebranding of megastore Target. Through these lively examples, the Heaths speak energetically and encouragingly on how to modify our behaviors and businesses. This clever discussion is an entertaining and educational must-read for executives and for ordinary citizens looking to get out of a rut. (Mar.)
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Direct + Motivate = Switch, by Janet Oberholtzer
Like the thoughts/ideas/research in Switch.
My life motto is “one step at a time” … so its sweet to see the Heath’s affirm that’s how changes are best made. I like all the examples of how that worked for individuals and organizations.
I love the section on “Finding the Bright Spot.” Though I’m an optimist, it’s still easy to point out what is wrong rather than focus on what is going right. Putting this into action regularly will be key in making changes myself or helping others switch something in their life.
The examples on how to “Tweak the Environment” to help “Shape the Path” are helpful.
My new formula to make changes happen …
Direct + Motivate = Switch
Will recommend this book to others… More>>
