Book: The Friction Project by Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao

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The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder by Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao

In The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder, Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao explore the concept of organizational friction—the forces that impede or facilitate progress within teams and companies. Drawing from seven years of research, they introduce the idea of “friction fixers,” leaders who adeptly identify and manage both detrimental and beneficial friction. The book provides practical tools, such as “friction forensics” to diagnose issues and a “help pyramid” to guide interventions, aiming to help organizations enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and improve employee well-being.

Robert I. Sutton is a professor of management science at Stanford University, specializing in organizational behavior and evidence-based management. He has authored several influential books, including The No Asshole Rule and Good Boss, Bad Boss, which have been widely acclaimed for their insights into workplace dynamics. Huggy Rao is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, focusing on organizational change and scaling. Together, they previously co-authored Scaling Up Excellence, a comprehensive guide on expanding organizational success.

For workplace learning professionals, The Friction Project offers actionable strategies to identify and manage friction within organizations. By understanding the balance between reducing harmful friction and introducing beneficial friction, trainers and instructional designers can create more effective learning environments. The concepts presented can aid in streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and fostering a culture that supports continuous improvement and innovation.

Book: Outsmart Your Brain by Daniel T. Willingham

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Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy by Daniel T. Willingham

In Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy, Daniel T. Willingham delves into the cognitive challenges that impede effective learning and offers practical strategies to overcome them. He emphasizes that common study habits, such as highlighting and rereading, often create an illusion of mastery without fostering true comprehension. Willingham introduces evidence-based techniques to enhance understanding and retention, aiming to transform how individuals approach learning. His guidance is designed to help learners of all ages study more efficiently, reduce exam-related stress, and ultimately find greater enjoyment in the learning process.

Daniel T. Willingham is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, where he has taught since 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Harvard University in 1990. Initially focusing on the brain mechanisms supporting learning and memory, his research since 2000 has concentrated on applying cognitive psychology to education. Willingham is the author of several acclaimed books, including Why Don’t Students Like School? and The Reading Mind. He writes the “Ask the Cognitive Scientist” column for American Educator and is a fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science.

For workplace learning professionals, Outsmart Your Brain offers impactful findings into the cognitive processes that underlie effective learning. Willingham’s evidence-based strategies can inform the design of training programs that move beyond superficial engagement, fostering deep comprehension and long-term retention. By understanding and applying these principles, instructional designers and trainers can create more impactful learning experiences that enhance employee performance and development.

Book: Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter

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Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most by Adam Alter

In Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most, Adam Alter explores the pervasive experience of feeling stuck, whether in personal endeavors, professional projects, or creative pursuits. Drawing from two decades of research, Alter introduces the concept of a “friction audit,” a systematic approach to identifying and overcoming obstacles that impede progress. He categorizes sources of friction into three areas: unhelpful emotions (HEART), counterproductive thought patterns (HEAD), and detrimental behaviors (HABIT). Through a blend of scientific studies, compelling anecdotes, and practical strategies, Alter demonstrates how understanding and addressing these frictions can lead to meaningful breakthroughs and sustained success.

Adam Alter is a professor of marketing at New York University’s Stern School of Business, with an affiliated appointment in the Department of Psychology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of New South Wales and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from Princeton University. Alter is the author of two previous books, Drunk Tank Pink and Irresistible, both of which have been acclaimed for their insights into human behavior and the impact of technology on society. His research has been featured in numerous publications, and he has delivered talks at venues such as the Cannes Lions Festival and TED.

For workplace learning professionals, Anatomy of a Breakthrough offers actionable frameworks to help individuals and teams identify and overcome barriers to progress. Alter’s friction audit provides a practical tool for diagnosing and addressing the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral obstacles that can hinder learning and development. By applying these principles, professionals can design interventions that facilitate personal growth, enhance team dynamics, and drive organizational success.

Book: Right Kind of Wrong by Amy C. Edmondson

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Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy C. Edmondson

In Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, Amy C. Edmondson delves into the nuanced nature of failure, presenting a framework to navigate and leverage it effectively. She categorizes failures into three types: basic, complex, and intelligent. Basic failures are preventable mistakes in familiar contexts; complex failures arise in complicated systems with multiple interacting factors; and intelligent failures occur when venturing into new territories, offering valuable learning opportunities. Edmondson emphasizes the importance of distinguishing among these types to minimize unproductive failures and maximize learning from inevitable missteps. Through real-life examples from business, healthcare, and beyond, she illustrates how embracing intelligent failures can foster innovation, resilience, and growth within organizations.

Amy C. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, renowned for her pioneering research on psychological safety and organizational learning. Named the #1 Management Thinker in the world by Thinkers50 in 2021, her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. Edmondson’s TED Talk, “How to Turn a Group of Strangers into a Team,” has garnered over three million views, reflecting her influence on contemporary management practices.

For workplace learning professionals, Right Kind of Wrong offers actionable insights into fostering a culture that views failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. By understanding the different types of failure and promoting psychological safety, trainers and organizational leaders can create environments where employees feel empowered to take risks, share ideas, and innovate. Edmondson’s framework provides practical strategies to harness the constructive aspects of failure, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes and driving organizational success.

Book: Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy, PhD

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Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations by Mary C. Murphy, PhD

In Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations, Mary C. Murphy, PhD explores how organizational cultures influence individual and collective success. Building upon Carol Dweck’s foundational work on fixed and growth mindsets, Murphy introduces the concept of “Cultures of Growth,” where organizations foster environments that encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation. Through a decade of research, she demonstrates that such cultures not only enhance performance but also build trust, promote ethical behavior, and support diversity and inclusion. The book provides practical strategies for leaders to cultivate these environments, emphasizing that mindset is not just an individual attribute but a collective cultural feature that can be shaped to drive organizational excellence.

Mary C. Murphy, PhD, is an endowed professor of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University and the founding director of the Summer Institute on Diversity at Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. She is also the founder and CEO of the Equity Accelerator, an organization dedicated to creating more equitable learning and working environments through social and behavioral science. Murphy’s pioneering research on motivation, performance, and intergroup relations has earned her the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed on early-career scholars by the U.S. government. Her extensive experience in both academia and applied settings positions her as a leading authority on fostering growth-oriented cultures within organizations.

For workplace learning professionals, Cultures of Growth offers effective guidance into developing organizational cultures that prioritize continuous learning and development. Murphy’s evidence-based strategies provide a roadmap for creating environments where employees are encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and innovate, leading to enhanced performance and job satisfaction. By understanding and applying the principles outlined in this book, learning and development practitioners can effectively drive cultural transformation that aligns with organizational goals and supports individual growth.

Book: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

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Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant

In Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, Adam Grant challenges the traditional emphasis on innate talent, presenting a compelling framework for unlocking latent capabilities. Through a blend of rigorous research and engaging storytelling, Grant illustrates how character development, effective learning strategies, and supportive systems can propel individuals beyond their perceived limitations. He emphasizes that progress hinges more on how well we learn than on how hard we work, and that fostering the right character skills and motivational structures is crucial for realizing our potential. This perspective encourages readers to rethink their approach to personal and professional growth, highlighting the transformative power of aspiration over mere ambition.

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and the Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Recognized as one of the world’s most influential management thinkers, he has authored several bestsellers, including Give and Take, Originals, and Think Again. Grant’s research focuses on motivation, generosity, and creativity, and he has consulted for organizations such as Google, the NBA, and the Gates Foundation. His TED talks have garnered millions of views, and he hosts the popular podcast WorkLife, where he explores the science of making work not suck.

For workplace learning professionals, Hidden Potential offers practical recommendations into designing development programs that prioritize character growth and effective learning methodologies. Grant’s emphasis on creating systems that nurture undervalued talent provides a blueprint for fostering inclusive and empowering learning environments. By applying these principles, professionals can enhance employee engagement, facilitate continuous improvement, and drive organizational success.

Book: Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath, PhD

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Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold on to What Matters by Charan Ranganath, PhD

In Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold on to What Matters, Charan Ranganath, PhD delves into the intricate workings of human memory, revealing its profound influence on various aspects of our lives, from recalling names and faces to decision-making and healing from trauma. He presents a transformative perspective, illustrating how our brains not only record past events but also utilize this information to shape our present identity and future aspirations. By combining accessible language with cutting-edge research, Ranganath offers readers a comprehensive understanding of memory’s role in shaping our experiences and behaviors.

Charan Ranganath, PhD is a distinguished professor at the Center for Neuroscience and Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, where he directs the Dynamic Memory Lab. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensively studied the neural mechanisms that enable humans to remember past events, employing brain imaging techniques, computational modeling, and studies of individuals with memory disorders. His groundbreaking work has earned him recognition as a Guggenheim Fellow and a Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellow by the US Department of Defense. 

For workplace learning professionals, Why We Remember provides meaningful conclusions into the science of memory that can enhance training effectiveness. Understanding how memory functions can inform the development of learning strategies that align with our brain’s natural processes, leading to improved retention and application of knowledge in professional settings. Ranganath’s exploration of memory’s transformative power offers valuable perspectives for designing impactful learning experiences.

Book: Behave by Robert M. Sapolsky

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Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. Sapolsky

In Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, Robert M. Sapolsky delves into the intricate web of factors influencing human behavior. He examines the neurobiological processes occurring milliseconds before actions, the hormonal and environmental influences from preceding days and months, and the cultural and evolutionary impacts spanning millennia. By dissecting these layers, Sapolsky provides a comprehensive understanding of why humans exhibit both altruism and aggression, offering insights into the biological underpinnings of our most virtuous and vile behaviors. This exploration not only enhances our grasp of human nature but also prompts reflection on the societal structures that shape our actions.

Robert M. Sapolsky is the John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery at Stanford University. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, he has extensively researched stress and its effects on primates, spending decades studying baboon behavior in East Africa. His previous works, including Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers and A Primate’s Memoir, have been acclaimed for making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Sapolsky’s unique blend of rigorous research and storytelling has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in neurobiology and primatology.

For workplace learning professionals, Behave offers useful findings into the biological and environmental factors that drive human behavior. Understanding these mechanisms can inform the design of more effective training programs, enhance strategies for behavior change, and foster a deeper empathy for the diverse responses individuals may have within organizational settings. Sapolsky’s thorough analysis provides a valuable framework for developing interventions that align with our innate biological tendencies, ultimately leading to more successful learning outcomes.

Book: Creepy Analytics by Salvatore V. Falletta

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Creepy Analytics: Avoid Crossing the Line and Establish Ethical HR Analytics for Smarter Workforce Decisions by Salvatore V. Falletta

In Creepy Analytics, Dr. Salvatore V. Falletta addresses the ethical challenges inherent in human resources analytics. He provides a comprehensive, step-by-step framework for developing HR analytics systems that respect employee privacy while delivering organizational value. By redefining HR analytics, identifying stakeholder needs, transforming data responsibly, and communicating insights effectively, Falletta guides professionals to establish ethical practices that prevent the misuse of personal information. This resource is essential for organizations aiming to leverage data without compromising ethical standards.

Dr. Salvatore V. Falletta is a Clinical Professor of Human Resource Leadership and Organizational Science at Drexel University, where he also directs the Human Resource Development program. As a Distinguished Principal Research Fellow at The Conference Board, he collaborates on research in HR strategy and ethical analytics. With executive experience as a former Chief HR Officer and Head of Global HR Research and Analytics at Intel, Falletta brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his academic and consulting roles.

For workplace learning professionals, Creepy Analytics offers actionable insights into integrating ethical considerations into HR analytics. By adopting Falletta’s methodologies, practitioners can design data-driven learning initiatives that uphold ethical standards, fostering trust and transparency within their organizations.

Will’s Note: Falletta brings a ton of wisdom and experience to this topic. He knows HR Analytics. He knows who is doing the best work on it, and makes nice recommendations of books to read and other resources. I found his first four chapters to be very useful and filled with general wisdom useful to all of us interested in measuring our learning-and-development and performance-improvement efforts. His middle chapters are useful for those who are actually doing the work of HR Analytics. Too many of us have not fully considered the ethical side of HR Analytics and Falletta fills an important need.

Book: May Contain Lies, by Alex Edmans

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May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases—And What We Can Do About It by Alex Edmans

In May Contain Lies, Professor Alex Edmans explores the pervasive issue of misinformation and its impact on our decision-making processes. He delves into the cognitive biases that make individuals susceptible to falsehoods, such as confirmation bias, and provides practical strategies to enhance critical thinking and discernment. By examining real-world examples, Edmans equips readers with tools to navigate the complex landscape of information, fostering more informed and effective decision-making in professional settings.

Alex Edmans is a Professor of Finance at London Business School, renowned for his expertise in corporate finance and behavioral economics. He has delivered a widely viewed TED talk titled “What to Trust in a Post-Truth World,” reflecting his commitment to promoting critical thinking. Edmans has also been recognized as Professor of the Year by Poets & Quants in 2021, underscoring his excellence in teaching and thought leadership.

For workplace learning professionals, May Contain Lies offers valuable insights into recognizing and mitigating biases that can impede effective training and development. By applying Edmans’ frameworks, practitioners can design and deliver learning experiences that promote critical analysis and informed decision-making, ultimately enhancing organizational performance.

Will’s Note: If you want to know how to think about data, measurement, or evaluation; this book is a must. Also, if you just want to learn how to be sensitive to others’ arguments and be clear in your own thinking when presenting evidence, this book is great.