Emily Kitazawa, Author at Shortform Books

The Disadvantages of Standardization: 2 Key Examples

What are the disadvantages of standardization? What are some examples of the negative effects of standardization? According to Matthew Syed, the disadvantages of standardization are best understood in the context of homogeneity versus diversity. In Rebel Ideas, he argues that standardization forces us to conform to an average while diversity fosters collective intelligence. Read on to learn about the disadvantages of standardization, according to two examples from Syed.

What Is Cognitive Diversity & Its Benefits?

What is cognitive diversity? What are its advantages? Why are cognitively diverse groups stronger? In Rebel Ideas, author Matthew Syed explains what cognitive diversity is and why cognitively diverse groups are superior. He claims that cognitively diverse groups can harness the diverse knowledge of their members, leading to increased performance and innovative ideas. Keep reading to learn more about what cognitive diversity is and its benefits, according to Syed.

Why Proactive Employees Are Important for Companies

What are the characteristics of proactive employees? Why are they important to a company? According to business experts Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini, proactive employees take more initiative, which ultimately leads to solving more problems and greater success in a company. However, along with proactiveness comes the possibility of risks. Read on to learn why Hamel and Zanini say proactive employees take companies from good to great.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra: Overview

Want an overview of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra? What are his views about life and philosophy? German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra to present his philosophical views on life. Through Zarathustra’s teachings, Nietzsche explains what he believes humans are, what they can become, and how to live if you want to participate in the advancement of humankind. Read on for an overview of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra.

How Recombinant Innovation & Diversity Go Hand-in-Hand

What impact does diversity have on innovation? How does cognitive diversity lead to recombinant innovation? According to Matthew Syed, cognitively diverse groups can harness the diverse knowledge of their members to create more innovative ideas. His book Rebel Ideas presents the argument that cognitive diversity fosters recombinant innovation. Keep reading to learn why Syed argues that cognitive diversity leads to recombinant innovation.

Humanocracy: The True Meaning of “Human-Focused”

What’s the meaning of the term “humanocracy?” What are the main principles? What is a human-focused organization? Together, Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini brought over 50 years of management and leadership expertise to their book Humanocracy. In the book, they explain the meaning behind the term “humanocracy,” which emphasizes the importance of fostering employee innovation and inspiration. Read on to learn the true meaning of humanocracy, according to Hamel and Zanini.

Friedrich Nietzsche on the Meaning of Life & Humans

Want to learn about Friedrich Nietzsche and the meaning of life? What is his philosophy of life and humans? In the 1880s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra as a creative presentation of his views about the meaning of life and philosophy. The book is a fictitious, poetic story about a prophet named Zarathustra. Read on to learn more about Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy on the meaning of life.

How Dominance Hierarchies Limit Diversity (+An Alternative)

What are dominance hierarchies? How do they limit diversity in groups? What’s an alternative? In Rebel Ideas, author Matthew Syed explains the value of diversity in groups and how communication structures and hierarchies can either help or hinder diversity. According to him, dominance hierarchies suppress diversity while prestige hierarchies promote it. Read on to learn about dominance and prestige hierarchies and their connection to diversity, according to Syed.

Why Is Union Membership Declining & Are Unions Still Relevant?

Why is union membership declining? Are labor unions still relevant today? U.S. union memberships are at an all-time low, but Americans’ support for them is at a record high. Though unions are optimistic about their future, some argue that they have considerable work ahead and significant obstacles to overcome to rebuild their ranks. Read on to learn why union membership is declining despite increased support in the U.S.

Nietzsche on Virtue & Cultivating Your Unique Strengths

Curious to learn about Nietzsche’s virtue philosophy? What does he believe about human morality? In the 1880s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra to share his views on life, virtue, and philosophy in general. In the book, Nietzsche offers his perspective on cultivating your strengths as virtues. Read on to learn about Nietzsche’s views on virtue, according to Thus Spoke Zarathustra.