After reading 17 books so far this year “Your Brain at Work” by Dr. David Rock has been the most impactful. I discovered the book thru this video of the author giving a talk/presentation at Google.  This is a terrific presentation that’s helpful in understanding why people act the way they do at work and the underlying motivations to those actions. After watching the video I immediately bought the book.

If you’ve ever been nervous before a big meeting or presentation this book explains why. If you’ve ever blown an opportunity or had a meltdown with a colleague this books sheds light on why that might have happened. What sets the book apart from others is the familiar context the author uses. The book follows two people, a husband and wife, during a typical work day. He’s a consultant, she’s a marketing exec at a new job. The book presents familiar work scenarios for each chapter  which taxes a certain part of the brain (like a meeting with a big client or a conflict with a co-worker). The chapters illustrate typical brain responses then explains what’s going on inside the brain. Each chapter ends with the scenario replayed using the new understanding.

It’s surprising to learn that most of us work in a way that doesn’t fit how our brain works. For example, most of us check email first thing in the morning. That’s the opposite of what we should do. There’s plenty more enlightening and counterintuitive lessons in the book.

This is a video of a talk the author gave at Google which summarizes much of what’s in the book.

(Click here if you can’t see the video.)

Get the book at Amazon.com