Siimon Reynolds' has a new book out: Why People Fail
Siimon Reynolds explains why people fail in this short video. He also mentions a related book by John Kay called Obliquity – Why our goals are best achieved indirectly. For example, you will probably be more successful financially if you concentrate on doing something well instead of on merely making money. You should have a mission in life that empassions you.
Obliquity is the principle that complex goals are best achieved indirectly. This book explains why the happiest people aren’t necessarily those who focus on happiness, and how the most successful cities aren’t planned (look at Paris versus Brasilia). And if a company announces shareholder return as its number one goal, perhaps we should beware: the most profit-orientated companies aren’t usually the most profitable.
At one time Boeing’s leaders would ‘eat, breathe, and sleep the world of aeronautics’.The company created the 747 and its fortunes soared.When in 1998 it shifted focus to shareholder return and return on investment the company, well, took a dive.
Merely pursuing wealth for its own sake is an empty goal for most of us. It has little power to motivate and inspire.
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