Book: Talk to the Elephant by Julie Dirksen

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Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change by Julie Dirksen

In Talk to the Elephant, Julie Dirksen tackles one of the biggest challenges in workplace learning: translating knowledge into real, lasting behavior change. Drawing from behavioral science, cognitive psychology, and instructional design, she explores why traditional training often falls short when it comes to changing habits and improving workplace performance. Through engaging examples and evidence-backed strategies, Dirksen provides a roadmap for learning professionals to create interventions that address motivation, environment, and cognitive biases—helping learners make meaningful, sustained changes.

Julie Dirksen is a recognized thought leader in instructional design, specializing in the intersection of learning science and behavior change. With over 15 years of experience designing digital and in-person learning experiences, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and educational organizations. As the author of the bestselling Design for How People Learn, Dirksen has built a reputation for making complex learning principles practical and actionable. She is also the founder of Usable Learning, where she consults on designing learning solutions that drive real-world results.

Workplace learning professionals will find this book invaluable for crafting learning experiences that go beyond knowledge transfer and focus on real behavior change. Whether designing training programs, leadership development initiatives, or performance support tools, readers will gain insights into applying behavioral science principles to create learning solutions that lead to measurable, lasting impact in the workplace.

Book: Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen

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Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen

In Design for How People Learn, Julie Dirksen delves into the core principles of effective instructional design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the learner’s journey. She explores how memory, attention, and motivation influence learning, providing practical strategies to create engaging and impactful educational experiences. Dirksen’s approachable style, enriched with visual metaphors and real-world examples, makes complex cognitive psychology concepts accessible. This book serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals aiming to design learning interventions that not only inform but also inspire and facilitate lasting behavioral change.

Julie Dirksen is an independent consultant and instructional designer with over 15 years of experience creating highly interactive e-learning experiences for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to technology startups. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where she taught courses in project management, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Dirksen is also the author of the bestselling book, Talk to the Elephant: Design Learning for Behavior Change, which focuses on using behavioral science to inform the design of more effective learning experiences.

Workplace learning professionals will find actionable value in this book through its evidence-based strategies for designing learning experiences that align with how people naturally learn and retain information. Dirksen’s insights into creating engaging content, leveraging cognitive principles, and applying practical design techniques empower instructional designers, trainers, and e-learning developers to craft interventions that drive meaningful performance improvements in organizational settings.

Book: The Knowledge Illusion by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach

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The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach

In The Knowledge Illusion, cognitive scientists Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach explore the concept that while individuals possess limited understanding, our true cognitive strength lies in the collective knowledge of communities. They argue that humans have built complex societies and technologies not through solitary intelligence but by leveraging shared information and expertise. This communal approach to knowledge allows us to thrive despite individual cognitive limitations. The authors delve into how this collective intelligence shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the recognition of our own cognitive gaps.

Steven Sloman is a professor of cognitive, linguistic, and psychological sciences at Brown University, focusing on the nature of thought and reasoning. Philip Fernbach is a cognitive scientist and professor of marketing at the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business, specializing in how people think and make decisions. Together, they provide insights into the communal aspects of human cognition and the implications for how we understand the world.

For workplace learning professionals, The Knowledge Illusion underscores the significance of collaborative learning environments. Recognizing that individual knowledge is limited, trainers and instructional designers can create programs that encourage knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving. By fostering a culture that values communal intelligence, organizations can enhance innovation, decision-making, and adaptability among employees.

Book: Range by David Epstein

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Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

In Range, David Epstein challenges the prevailing notion that early specialization is the key to success. Through extensive research and compelling narratives, he demonstrates that in complex and unpredictable fields, generalists—individuals who explore a broad array of interests and skills—are more likely to excel. Epstein contrasts the paths of early specialists, like Tiger Woods, with those of generalists, such as Roger Federer, illustrating that a diverse range of experiences can foster creativity, adaptability, and the ability to make innovative connections across disciplines. He argues that while specialization may be beneficial in certain predictable environments, the modern world’s “wicked” problems often require the broad perspective that generalists provide.

David Epstein is an American journalist and author known for his insightful exploration of science and human performance. He holds master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism from Columbia University. Epstein has worked as an investigative reporter at ProPublica and as a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, where he co-authored the story revealing Alex Rodriguez’s steroid use. His previous book, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, also became a New York Times bestseller.

For workplace learning professionals, Range offers valuable insights into the benefits of fostering interdisciplinary skills and encouraging employees to explore diverse interests. By promoting a culture that values breadth as well as depth, organizations can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability among their workforce. This approach can lead to more innovative solutions and a more resilient organization capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business environment.

Book: Hooked by Nir Eyal

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Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal with Ryan Hoover

In Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products, Nir Eyal presents the “Hook Model,” a four-step framework—Trigger, Action, Variable Reward, and Investment—that explains how successful products create user habits. Eyal delves into the psychology behind user engagement, illustrating how products like smartphones and social media platforms leverage these principles to foster habitual use. The book offers practical insights for designers, product managers, and marketers aiming to build products that not only attract users but also encourage repeated engagement without relying on costly advertising.

Nir Eyal is an Israeli-born American author, lecturer, and investor known for his expertise in behavioral design. He earned his MBA from Stanford University, where he later taught courses on product design and consumer psychology. Eyal’s work focuses on the intersection of psychology, technology, and business, and he has contributed articles to publications such as Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, and Psychology Today. His insights have been instrumental in guiding companies on creating engaging and habit-forming products.

For workplace learning professionals, Hooked offers valuable frameworks for designing training programs and educational tools that foster habitual engagement. By applying the Hook Model, instructional designers can create learning experiences that encourage repeated participation and sustained behavior change, leading to more effective and impactful training outcomes.

Book: Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood

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Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick by Wendy Wood

In Good Habits, Bad Habits, Wendy Wood delves into the psychology of habit formation and change, revealing that approximately 43% of our daily actions are driven by habits rather than conscious decisions. Drawing from three decades of research, Wood explains how habits are formed through context, repetition, and rewards, and how they can be reshaped by altering these elements. She emphasizes that willpower alone is often insufficient for lasting change; instead, understanding and leveraging the mechanisms of habit can lead to more effective personal and professional transformations.

Wendy Wood is the Provost Professor Emerita of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California. Her extensive research on habits and behavior change has been published in leading academic journals and featured in major media outlets. Wood has served as President of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and the Association for Psychological Science, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a 2007 Radcliffe Institute Fellowship and the 2022 Career Contribution Award from SPSP.

For workplace learning professionals, Good Habits, Bad Habits offers valuable insights into the automatic behaviors that influence employee performance and organizational culture. By understanding the science behind habit formation, trainers and instructional designers can develop interventions that promote positive habits and mitigate negative ones, leading to sustained behavior change and improved outcomes in professional settings.

Book: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, PhD

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Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg, PhD

In Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg, PhD presents a transformative approach to behavior change, emphasizing that small, manageable adjustments can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Drawing from his extensive research at Stanford University’s Behavior Design Lab, Fogg introduces the Fogg Behavior Model, which posits that behavior is a product of motivation, ability, and prompts. He advocates for designing tiny habits that fit seamlessly into existing routines, thereby reducing reliance on willpower and fostering sustainable change. Through practical examples and meaningful conclusions, Fogg demonstrates how focusing on minimal adjustments can yield substantial results in productivity, health, and overall well-being.

BJ Fogg, PhD, is a renowned behavior scientist and the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. With over two decades of research in human behavior, he has developed models and methods that have been widely adopted in both academic and industry settings. Fogg’s expertise in behavior design has led him to work with numerous organizations, helping them create products and services that facilitate positive behavior change. His contributions to the field have been recognized globally, and his work continues to influence the domains of psychology, design, and personal development.

For workplace learning professionals, Tiny Habits offers a practical framework for facilitating behavior change among employees. By implementing Fogg’s strategies, trainers and instructional designers can develop programs that encourage the adoption of beneficial habits through small, incremental steps. This approach minimizes resistance and enhances the likelihood of sustained behavior change, leading to improved performance and engagement within organizations.

Book: Subtract by Leidy Klotz

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Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz

In Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, Leidy Klotz explores the human tendency to solve problems by adding elements rather than removing them. He reveals that this inclination often leads to overcomplication and inefficiency. Through a blend of behavioral science and design principles, Klotz demonstrates how embracing subtraction can lead to more effective solutions in various contexts, from personal decision-making to organizational strategy. The book provides practical insights into recognizing opportunities to subtract, ultimately advocating for a mindset shift towards simplicity and clarity.

Leidy Klotz is a professor at the University of Virginia, with appointments in Engineering, Architecture, and Business. His research focuses on the science of design and problem-solving, particularly the cognitive biases that lead individuals and organizations to overlook subtractive solutions. Klotz has published articles in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science, and his work has been featured in major media outlets including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. Before his academic career, he played professional soccer and managed the design and construction of large engineering projects.

For workplace learning professionals, Subtract offers valuable perspectives on streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary complexities in training programs. By applying Klotz’s principles, instructional designers and trainers can create more efficient and effective learning experiences, focusing on essential elements that drive performance and engagement. Embracing subtraction can lead to clearer communication, reduced cognitive overload for learners, and more impactful educational interventions.

Book: How to Change by Katy Milkman

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How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman

In How to Change, Katy Milkman delves into the science of behavior change, offering evidence-based strategies to overcome common obstacles such as procrastination, impulsivity, and forgetfulness. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring approaches to individual challenges, highlighting techniques like “temptation bundling”—pairing a desired activity with a less enjoyable one to enhance motivation. Through engaging narratives and research insights, Milkman provides practical tools to facilitate lasting personal and professional transformation.

Katy Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in operations, information, and decisions. She earned her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Princeton University in Operations Research and American Studies, followed by a PhD from Harvard University in Computer Science and Business. A former president of the Society for Judgment and Decision Making, Milkman has published extensively in leading academic journals and her work has been featured in major media outlets. She also hosts the behavioral economics podcast “Choiceology” and co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative.

For workplace learning professionals, How to Change offers tangible takeaways into designing interventions that effectively address behavioral barriers to learning and performance. By understanding the psychological factors that impede change, trainers and instructional designers can develop customized strategies to enhance employee development programs, leading to improved engagement and sustained behavioral improvements.

Book: Influence by Robert B. Cialdini

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Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

In Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion, Robert B. Cialdini delves into the psychology behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these principles in everyday situations. Building upon his original six principles—Reciprocity, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Authority, Liking, and Scarcity—Cialdini introduces a seventh principle: Unity. This new principle emphasizes the shared identities and bonds that increase our susceptibility to influence. Through engaging narratives and empirical research, Cialdini illustrates how these principles operate in various contexts, from marketing to personal relationships, providing readers with actionable insights into the art of persuasion.

Robert B. Cialdini is a renowned psychologist and the Regents’ Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University. He earned his PhD in Social Psychology from the University of North Carolina and has held visiting scholar appointments at institutions such as Stanford University and the University of California. Cialdini’s extensive research in the fields of psychology and marketing has established him as a foundational expert in the science of influence. His work has been widely recognized, leading to his election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2019.

For workplace learning professionals, Influence, New and Expanded offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of persuasion that can enhance training and development programs. Understanding these principles allows instructional designers and trainers to craft messages and learning experiences that resonate more deeply with employees, fostering engagement and facilitating behavior change. By applying Cialdini’s principles, professionals can improve the effectiveness of their programs, leading to more impactful learning outcomes.

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