Books
The Human Element
A new book about overcoming people's resistance to innovation and change
How do you get people to embrace a new idea? Most people assume that the best (and perhaps only) way to convince people to embrace change is to heighten the appeal of the idea itself. We instinctively believe that if we add enough value, people will say “yes.” We refer to this habit of the mind as a “Fuel-based mindset.” Fuel is what incites our desire to change. By focusing on Fuel to enhance attraction, innovators neglect the other half of the equation – the psychological Frictions that oppose change. Frictions create drag on innovation. And though they are rarely considered, overcoming these Frictions is essential for creating change. The limitations of Fuel call for a new approach to innovation. It demands that we stop thinking in Fuel. The Human Element explores this new way of thinking.
The Psychology of Desire
Providing a comprehensive perspective on human desire, this volume brings together leading experts from multiple psychological subdisciplines.
It addresses such key questions as how desires of different kinds emerge, how they influence judgment and decision making, and how problematic desires can be effectively controlled. Current research is reviewed on underlying brain mechanisms and regulatory processes. Cutting-edge measurement tools are described, including practical recommendations for their use. The book also examines pathological forms of desire and the complex relationship between desire and happiness. The concluding section analyzes specific applied domains—eating, sex, aggression, substance use, shopping, and social media.