USEFUL REFERENCE BOOKS
This is a cross section of some of the most influential and useful research sources (in book form) we have used in designing and developing our products and services. We have used many other periodical articles and papers as well (some of which are provided in our links page), in addition to our own primary and secondary research.
These are a mix of evidence-based management, cognitive science, cognitive biases, behavioural economics, decision-making, mental models, personal performance and productivity, high-performance work practices, positive psychology, buddhism, and with a little bit of Physics, Math and Biology.
This is a living list so we’ll be updating it over time. As a rule, don’t expect to see anything “new” or “trendy” as we work to avoid hyperbole in favour of solid science. We generally have a 5-year rule. That is, if a book is still respected and referenced solidly 5-years after it’s initial publication date, then we will give it a sniff. Some books authored by trusted and proven authors get an exception however.
In no particular order.
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout
Cal Newport
The Right Kind of Wrong
Amy Edmonson
Time, Talent, Energy: Overcome Organizational Drag & Unleash Your Team's Productive Power
Michael Mankins, Eric Garton
Thinking Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
The Great Mental Models, Vol 2
Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
Poor Charlie's Almanack
Scott Keller, Bill Schaninger
Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger
Peter Bevelin
The Friction Project
Robert I. Sutton and Huggy Rao
A New Way to Think
Roger L. Martin
Beyond Performance 2.0: A Proven Approach to Leading Large-Scale Change
Scott Keller, Bill Schaninger
The Great Mental Models, Vol 1
Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
The Great Mental Models, Vol 3
Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models
Gabriel Weinberg, Lauren McCann, et al.
Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models
Gabriel Weinberg, Lauren McCann, et al.