In the book “Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World” by Christian Madsbjerg, the author emphasizes the importance of observing and paying attention to our human world. This requires a practice called “hyper-reflection,” which involves observing beyond the surface and abandoning our preconceived notions. Madsbjerg, a philosopher and entrepreneur, asserts that the best observers take the time to reflect and avoid jumping to conclusions.
The book first delves into philosophy to provide readers with tools for observing the world, and then explains how these tools can be utilized effectively. It also showcases detailed examples of how to apply hyper-reflection in practice, such as the case of French anthropologist Pierre Bourdieu identifying the plight of village farmers who were left behind as young women migrated to towns for work.
“Centennials: The 12 Habits of Great, Enduring Organisations” by Alex Hill addresses the issue of businesses’ struggles to thrive over long periods despite the call for a focus on the long term. Hill, co-founder of The Centre for High Performance, spent 13 years researching organizations that have outperformed their peers for a century or more. These organizations, which include Nasa, Eton College, and the New Zealand All Blacks, share a common understanding that lasting success requires maintaining core culture while adapting to change.
The book offers detailed observations and insights, covering topics such as the percentage of a centennial organization’s workforce who serve as stable stewards and the significance of team lunches. Hill argues that enduring organizations combine disruptive experts with stable stewards to balance innovation and tradition.
David Spreng’s book “All Money is Not Created Equal: How entrepreneurs can crack the code to getting the right funding for their start-up” addresses the primary reason for startup failures: running out of money. Spreng, an experienced figure in Silicon Valley’s venture capital scene, aims to guide entrepreneurs in avoiding this fate. The book explores the key elements of financing a startup and highlights the common reasons entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding.
Viv Groskop’s “Happy High Status” explores the concept of feeling capable, confident, and self-assured in one’s abilities. Groskop, known for her previous works on confidence and leadership, presents various stories and strategies from actors, politicians, and sportspeople to help readers find their own path to this state of mind. The book challenges conventional notions of leadership and offers tips to summon a sense of happy high status even during difficult times.
Lastly, “After Work: A History of the Home and the Fight for Free Time” by Helen Hester and Nick Srnicek examines the implications of reducing work on the domestic sphere. The authors argue that the household, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in nurturing future workers, regenerating the current workforce, and sustaining societies. They explore the impact of technology on household chores and point out the paradox that it only increases expectations rather than alleviating work.
While the focus on a post-capitalist world may not appeal to all readers, “After Work” provides valuable insights into the relationship between work and the home.
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