Thursday, March 13, 2014

Read: Harford's Adapt

Title: Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure
Author: Tim Harford
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

This is a book that I had picked from the library shelves. I could have caught glimpses of this book a few years ago at the bookstores yet did not get to read it. Although this book cover and the content did not look attractive, I decided it was worthwhile to read the book.

In this book, Tim Harford discusses new and inspiring approaches to solving the most complex and pressing issues in our life. It appears that the world has become far too unpredictable and profoundly complex. The notion that is put forth is that we must learn to adapt.

Harford presents many case examples to explain the necessary ingredients for turning failure into success.

One of my take-aways from reading the book was the Palchinsky principles:
1) First, seek out new ideas and try new things. (variation)
2) Second, when trying something new, do it on a scale where failure is survivable. (survivability)
3) Third, seek out feedback and learn from your mistakes as you go along. (selection)

This unexpected read has not been one of the most accessible reading since I was not familiar with a number of the examples. Nevertheless, it has brought me to look at failures in a slightly different way.

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