Traction Heroes

Harry explains how diagrams can help leaders align their teams behind a clear vision — and why that matters.Show notes:Vivid Vision by Cameron HeroldMind mapInspirationTinderboxMindMeisterMindManager (Mindjet)

We discuss a new book that explores the role AI should play in organizations — and how they might align the technology with their strategic goals.ShoShow notes:What Your Machines Should Do by Stefanie HutkaThe Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana ZuboffUnfinishe Conversations: What Your Machines Should Do (YouTube)

We explore how understanding human group behavior might inform AI safety — and how that might also make us better stewards of human groups.Show notes:How Minds Change by David McRaneyThe Righteous Mind by Jonathan HaidtThe One and the Ninety-nine by Luke BurgisWanting by Luke Burgis

Different people have different ways of learning. Knowing how you and those you work with learn best will help you gain traction.Show notes:Managing Oneself by Peter DruckerStory by Robert McKeeDialogue by Robert McKeeTraining From the Back of the Room by Sharon L. BowmanRobert F. MagerThe Workshop Survival Guide by Rob Fitzpatrick and Devin HuntWrite Useful Books by Rob FitzpatrickPlease Understand Me by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates

Are you more of an analytical or a holistic thinker? The answer might depend on the culture in which you were raised — and understanding that can help you gain traction.Show notes:The WEIRDest People in the World by Joseph HenrichBeyond Culture by Edward T. HallThe Long Now FoundationWhat Your Machines Should Do by Stefanie HutkaThe Art of the Long View by Peter SchwartzCultures and Organizations by Geert HofstedeHofstede’s cultural dimensions theory

How do you delegate authority while maintaining coherence? One way is by establishing solid principles.Show notes:Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader by Charles and Chase KochGood Profit by Charles G. KochThe HP Way by David PackardIncorruptible by Eric RiesPrinciples by Ray DalioTraction Heroes Ep. 11: Gall’s LawTraction Heroes Ep. 16: OODA LoopsReading Notes: “Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader” by Jorge ArangoNormative

Harry shares an important insight from a personal place: we must not just get better at giving feedback, but receiving it as well — and it can be especially difficult when feedback is part of your professional skillset.Show notes:Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone & Sheila HeenManagement of the Absurd by Richard FarsonNaïve realism

Jorge digs out an influential book from his past to discuss a critical issue in decision-making.Show notes:The Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford (PDF)Finite and Infinite Games by James P. CarseUX Design Innovation: Challenges for Working with Machine Learning as a Design Material by Graham Dove, Kim Halskov, Jodi Forlizzi, and John Zimmerman (PDF)AlphaGo (Full movie) 

It's easy to feel frustrated and powerless — but organizational leaders have more agency than they might think in today's world.Show notes:Incorruptible by Eric RiesSentient Design by Josh Clark and Veronica KindredJoseph Campbell and The Power of MythIncorruptible by Design — Eric Ries Long Now seminar

AI gives us the ability to prototype faster than ever before — which is great, as long as we remember that there's underlying work to be done.Show notes:The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart BrandHow Buildings Learn by Stewart BrandMaintenance of Everything, Part One  by Stewart BrandAntifragile by Nassim Nicholas TalebThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanThe World as a Total System by Kenneth BouldingLiving in Information by Jorge ArangoLiquid Glass