Reading in 2022
What I read in 2022.
- Introduction
- Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
- Measure What Matters How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
- How Google Works
- The Ethics of Invention Technology and the Human Future
- Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
- Jurassic Park
Introduction
Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge, learn new things, and relax after a long day. This year, I had the opportunity to read a number of interesting and informative books. In this blog post, I want to share some of my favorites with you and wrote a bunch of Whether you’re looking for a good read to pass the time or some inspiration to help you achieve your goals, I hope you’ll find something in this list that interests you.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
by Chris Voss and Thal Raz
“Never Split the Difference” is a book by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss that teaches you how to effectively negotiate in any situation. Voss draws on his experience negotiating with terrorists and criminals to provide practical advice on how to get what you want in any negotiation.
One key concept Voss discusses is the importance of empathy in negotiations. He advises to try to understand the perspective of the other party and to listen actively to their concerns. He also suggests using open-ended questions to gather information and to avoid making assumptions about the other party’s motivations.
Another important aspect of successful negotiation, according to Voss, is the use of tactical empathy. This involves using empathy to build rapport with the other party and to identify their underlying needs and concerns. By understanding the other party’s perspective, it is possible to find mutually beneficial solutions to conflicts.
Voss also advises to be willing to walk away from a negotiation if it is not possible to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both parties. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and being prepared to walk away if necessary.
Overall, “Never Split the Difference” is a valuable guide for anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills. By following Voss’s practical advice and using empathy and tactical empathy, you can learn to negotiate effectively and get what you want in any situation.
Bonus: Voss about the book with “Talks at Google”
Measure What Matters How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
by John Doerr & Kris Duggan
“Measure What Matters” is a book by John Doerr that discusses the importance of setting clear and specific goals in order to achieve success. The book introduces the concept of “Objectives and Key Results” (OKRs), which is a goal-setting framework used by companies such as Google, Intel, and LinkedIn.
According to Doerr, OKRs can be used to drive innovation and achieve exceptional results. The framework consists of setting objectives, which are broad and ambitious goals, and key results, which are measurable and specific targets that help track progress towards the objective.
Doerr shares stories and examples of how successful companies have used OKRs to achieve their goals. For example, Google used OKRs to set the ambitious goal of creating a self-driving car, which they eventually achieved. Intel also used OKRs to set the goal of creating a new microprocessor, which they were able to successfully develop and launch.
In addition to sharing success stories, Doerr also provides practical advice on how to implement OKRs in an organization. He recommends setting a small number of objectives, making them specific and measurable, and setting key results that are challenging but achievable. He also advises regularly tracking progress and adjusting goals as needed.
Overall, “Measure What Matters” is a practical guide that helps you set and achieve goals through the use of OKRs. It encourages you to set ambitious goals and to regularly track your progress in order to achieve success. By using OKRs, individuals and organizations can drive innovation and achieve exceptional results.
How Google Works
by Eric Schmidt & Jonathan Rosenberg
“How Google Works” is a book by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg, former executives at Google, that provides insight into the company’s unique management style and business strategies.
One key aspect of Google’s approach is its focus on innovation and continuous improvement. The company encourages its employees to take risks and to constantly strive for better ways of doing things. Google also values data-driven decision making, using data and analytics to guide its business decisions.
Another important aspect of Google’s management style is its emphasis on hiring and developing top talent. The company looks for individuals with a strong work ethic, creativity, and the ability to learn and adapt. Google also values diversity and encourages its employees to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
In addition to discussing the company’s management style, the book also provides practical advice for businesses on topics such as strategy, innovation, and leadership. Schmidt and Rosenberg share insights from their experiences at Google and offer suggestions for how other companies can adopt similar approaches to achieve success.
Overall, “How Google Works” is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about Google’s unique management style and business strategies. The book provides insight into the company’s approach to innovation, talent development, and data-driven decision making, and offers practical advice for businesses looking to achieve success.
The Ethics of Invention Technology and the Human Future
by Sheila Jasanoff
“The Ethics of Invention: Technology and the Human Future” is a book by Sheila Jasanoff that explores the ethical implications of technological innovation. Jasanoff argues that as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is important to consider the potential consequences of new inventions and to think critically about the values that guide their development.
A key aspect of Jasanoff’s argument is the idea that technology is not neutral, but rather it reflects and reinforces the values of those who create it. She suggests that by considering the ethical implications of new technologies, we can ensure that they are developed in a way that is aligned with our values and promotes the greater good.
Jasanoff also discusses the role of science and technology in shaping society and the ways in which they can be used to address social and environmental challenges. She argues that it is important to involve a diverse range of stakeholders in the process of technological innovation, in order to ensure that the technology is developed in a way that takes into account the needs and concerns of all members of society.
Overall, “The Ethics of Invention: Technology and the Human Future” is a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to think critically about the ethical implications of technological innovation. By considering the values that guide the development of new technologies and involving a diverse range of stakeholders in the process, we can ensure that technology is used to promote the greater good and benefit society as a whole.
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
by Michael Lewis
“Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt” is a book by Michael Lewis that tells the story of a group of individuals who set out to expose and fix the unfair practices of the stock market.
The book begins by introducing the concept of high-frequency trading, a practice in which firms use advanced computer algorithms to buy and sell stocks at lightning-fast speeds. This allows them to gain a significant advantage over other traders and to make large profits. However, as Lewis explains, this practice also creates a number of problems, such as reducing transparency and fairness in the market and increasing the potential for market manipulation.
The book follows the story of Brad Katsuyama, a former trader who becomes convinced that the stock market is rigged against ordinary investors. Along with a team of colleagues, Katsuyama sets out to create a new stock exchange that is designed to level the playing field for all investors.
“Flash Boys” is a fascinating and eye-opening look at the inner workings of the stock market and the ways in which it can be manipulated. It tells the story of a group of individuals who are fighting to create a more transparent and fair financial system and encourages readers to think critically about the ways in which the market operates.
Jurassic Park
by Micheal Crichton
“Jurassic Park” is a science fiction novel by Michael Crichton that tells the story of a group of scientists who are invited to visit a remote island where a wealthy (life sciences) businessman has created a theme park featuring living dinosaurs that were brought back to life with ancient DNA. While the book has quite a bunch more facets and characters than the movie version, it is also from where the inspiration for later movies and scenes came, which were often chapters cut from this book.
The story begins when John Hammond, the owner of the park, invites paleontologists Drs. Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler and mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm to visit the island and evaluate the safety of the park. Despite initial hesitation, the scientists agree to visit the island and soon find themselves caught up in a thrilling adventure as they encounter a variety of prehistoric creatures, including velociraptors and a Tyrannosaurus rex.
As they explore the island, the scientists begin to uncover the dark secrets of the park and the dangers of playing God by bringing extinct species back to life. They must find a way to survive and escape the island before it’s too late.
“Jurassic Park” is a thrilling and action-packed novel that explores the ethical implications of scientific innovation and the dangers of playing with forces beyond our control. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and adventure and anyone who wants to go beyond the movie.
