What we are reading… in October.

What we're reading

1 Oct

As a team we absolutely love to read. Whether it be a latest release, an undiscovered treasure that has only just come across our radar, or dusting off an old favourite from the bookshelf.

As a team of Business Psychology practitioners, we also know how important it is to keep up-to-date on the latest research, thinking and industry trends. So for a bit of fun, but also in the spirit of ‘caring is sharing’ we thought it might be useful to share what we’re currently reading each month.

Here’s a snapshot of what the Psychology Work’s team have on their reading list for this month…

The Power of Instinct: The New Rules of Persuasion in Business and Life Hardcover, Leslie Zane.

In The Power of Instinct, Leslie Zane, a renowned brand consultant and behavioral expert, redefines marketing strategies by focusing on the instinctive brain rather than traditional persuasion methods. Zane reveals that consumer decisions are largely driven by instinctive, unconscious processes, and to effectively grow a brand or business, it’s essential to connect with these instinctive reactions. The book delves into the science of consumer choice, providing actionable insights on how to influence decision-making by aligning marketing techniques with how the brain operates.

Drawing on case studies from leading brands like McDonald's and Taylor Swift, Zane demonstrates how to build positive associations and accelerate growth by targeting new customers instead of relying solely on existing ones. The book argues that emotional storytelling alone is insufficient for driving brand loyalty and trial. By mastering the power of instinct, businesses can enhance their marketing impact and make their brand the instinctive choice for any audience.

Unleash the Inner CEO: Make distributed leadership a reality, Jeremy Blain.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, relying on a single leader is insufficient. The Inner CEO, now in its updated second edition, provides a comprehensive guide to implementing distributed leadership across organisations. This approach shifts the focus from top-down leadership to empowering individuals at all levels, tapping into their collective potential. The book offers a detailed definition of distributed leadership, outlines its advantages and challenges, and provides strategies for successful integration.

The updated edition features a five-point blueprint for fostering the conditions necessary for distributed leadership to thrive, including new models and tools. It includes a 90-day roadmap for managers and contributors to develop leadership skills and build a supportive organizational culture. Additionally, the book provides access to supplementary materials such as consultancy, masterclasses, and coaching to further support organizations and individuals in adopting this leadership model.

The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck, David Spiegelhalter.

In The Art of Uncertainty, renowned statistician David Spiegelhalter offers an insightful guide on navigating the complexities of risk and uncertainty in our lives. By dissecting principles of probability, Spiegelhalter demonstrates how understanding and analyzing data can enhance our decision-making across various areas, from medical advice and climate forecasts to everyday situations. His engaging writing makes complex statistical concepts accessible, helping readers better grasp how chance, luck, and coincidence impact outcomes.

Spiegelhalter also delves into intriguing real-world examples, such as the role of luck in football results and the methods used by the National Risk Register to assess threats. He emphasises the importance of updating our beliefs and adapting to new information as it becomes available. This book serves as a crucial resource for learning to live with uncertainty, encouraging readers to approach the unknown with analytical rigor and a balanced perspective.