Smartcuts focuses on teaching readers to achieve success faster by applying “smart cuts”, or using lateral thinking instead of hard work. The book claims that shortcuts and hacks are essential to innovation. It offers readers ways to use strategies to change how they look at problems. Its central message is that those who appear to be the most successful are typically those who know how to make the most of their resources. With its advice on thinking outside the box, Smartcuts challenges the reader to reimagine the way they approach innovation.
In 'The Gift of Failure,' Jessica Lahey argues that modern parenting's overprotectiveness can hinder children's development by denying them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. Lahey, drawing from her own parenting experience and years as an educator, provides practical advice on how parents can step back and allow their children to face failures and learn from them. The book covers topics such as handling homework, report cards, social dynamics, and sports, emphasizing the importance of autonomy-supportive parenting over controlling parenting. Lahey's approach is grounded in scientific research and personal anecdotes, offering a balanced and wise guide for parents, educators, and psychologists[1][3][5].
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell examines the phenomenon of social epidemics and how ideas, products, and behaviors spread rapidly. He introduces three key principles: the law of the few (the role of connectors, mavens, and salespeople in spreading ideas), the stickiness factor (how messages or trends must be memorable to spread), and the power of context (how environment and circumstances influence human behavior). Gladwell uses various examples, such as the rise in popularity of Hush Puppies shoes, the decline in New York City's crime rate, and the success of children's TV programs like Sesame Street, to illustrate these concepts. The book provides insights into how small changes can lead to large-scale social and behavioral transformations.
In 'Drive', Daniel Pink explores the three elements of true motivation—autonomy, mastery, and purpose—arguing that these intrinsic factors are more effective than extrinsic rewards in driving high performance and satisfaction. Drawing on decades of scientific research, Pink offers practical techniques for fostering motivation in personal and professional settings.
Episode 105: David Burkus – How The Best Companies Are Breaking All The Rules
David Burkus is a remarkable leader… I really appreciate that he’s actively seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. His newest book takes an incredible look at some really interesting topics such as: getting rid of open offices, banning non-compete clauses, and making salaries transparent. We had a fascinating conversation on this episode of The Learning Leader Show.
David is the best-selling author of The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies Generate Great Ideas. He writes regularly for Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today. He’s also the founder and host of Radio Free Leader, a podcast that shares insights on leadership, innovation, and strategy.
He’s delivered keynote speeches and workshops for Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft and Stryker, in-demand conferences such as SXSW and TEDx events, and governmental leaders and future leaders at the US Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School.
When he’s not speaking, he’s in the classroom. He is associate professor of management at Oral Roberts University, where he teaches courses on organizational behavior, creativity and innovation, and strategic leadership. His most recent book, “Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business as Usual” comes out March 15, 2016.
Episode 105: David Burkus – How The Best Companies Are Breaking All The Rules
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The Learning Leader Show
“Feedback Fosters A Growth Mindset”
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Being consistently dissatisfied with the status quo leads to sustained excellence
- Always seeking opportunities to be pushed outside of your comfort zone
- Being relatable like Dan Pink
- Weaving research and great story-telling as a writer
- Mastering a new skill
- Why we should ban non-compete clauses in contracts of employees
- Why employees must be first, customers second
- Giving a speech at Google – What went into it
- Why we all should have unlimited vacation
- People trust their leaders when the leaders trust them first
- Being a learning leader – “Strong beliefs weakly held”
“The Stories We Tell Ourselves Are True Even If They Aren’t True”
Continue Learning:
You may also like these episodes:
Episode 001: How To Become A Master Connector W/ Jayson Gaignard From MasterMind Talks
Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon
Episode 082: Dan Pink – The Science of Motivation, Legendary Writer & Ted Talk
Episode 086: Seth Godin – How To Become Indispensable & Build Your Tribe
Did you enjoy the podcast?
If you enjoyed hearing David Burkus on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.
Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell
Bio From DavidBurkus.com
David Burkus is the best-selling author of The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies Generate Great Ideas. He writes regularly for Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Psychology Today. He’s also the founder and host of Radio Free Leader, a podcast that shares insights on leadership, innovation, and strategy.
He’s delivered keynote speeches and workshops for Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft and Stryker, in-demand conferences such as SXSW and TEDx events, and governmental leaders and future leaders at the US Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School.
When he’s not speaking, he’s in the classroom. He is associate professor of management at Oral Roberts University, where he teaches courses on organizational behavior, creativity and innovation, and strategic leadership. His most recent book, “Under New Management: How Leading Organizations Are Upending Business as Usual” comes out March 15, 2016.
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk 
