Simple Habits for Complex Times: Powerful Practices for Leaders

By: Jennifer Garvey Berger, Keith Johnston

Narrated by: Jean Ann Douglass

When faced with complex challenges or uncertain outcomes, many leaders believe that if they are smart enough, work hard enough, or turn to the best management tools, they will be able to find the right answer, predict and plan for the future, and break down tasks to produce controllable results. But what are leaders to do when this isn't the case?

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all tips and tricks drawn from the realm of business as usual, Simple Habits for Complex Times provides three integral practices that enable leaders to navigate the unknown. By taking multiple perspectives, asking different questions, and seeing more of their system, leaders can better understand themselves, their roles, and the world around them. They can become more nimble, respond with agility, and guide their organizations to thrive in an ever-shifting business landscape. The more leaders use these simple habits, the more they enhance their performance and solve increasingly common, sticky business issues with greater acumen.

Whether in large or small organizations, in government or the private sector, in the U.S. or overseas, leaders will turn to this audiobook as a companion that helps them grow into the best version of themselves.

The book is published by Stanford University Press. The audiobook will be published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2015 Jennifer Garvey Berger and Keith Johnston (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Will change you as a leader...and a person. A landmark work!" (Michael Rennie, Global Leader, McKinsey & Company Organization and Leadership Practice)

"Garvey Berger and Johnston are superb teachers! ...You'll keep turning the pages and the pages will turn you into a better leader." (Robert Kegan Harvard University and co-author of Immunity to Change)

Excellent Leadership Suggestion

One stop book for improving or learning leadership skills. beautiful Technics about how to run productive meeting.

Not too complex

Not any eye opening findings or revelations which one could not find in other books. Interesting story line - the way the learnings are integrated.

Useful content, sub par story

I really like Jennifer Garver Berger’s work, particularly how she combines complexity theory with adult development theory. I so wish this book wasn’t told with this fictional story as the back drop. I am not a fan of leadership books that use fables to teach. If I want a fiction, I’ll read a fiction. I don’t want non fiction and fiction mixing.

Oooh, very nice.

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was a refreshing approach to a topic that's been written about many times before. Sometimes you don't need new information, you need a new presentation. I felt that's what the author gave here. No complaints. Check it out.

"We're driving forward while looking into the rear

Although this audiobook initially looked like a standard "business self-help" guide, I'm impressed with its tone, approach, and helpful takeaways. I appreciate that it’s not too high level without everyday application, but at the same time it doesn't slog through the basics that most listeners/readers should be familiar with in the office/home environment. The case studies demonstrate how one can use the techniques in their life and navigate through life's ambiguities, and that there are many shades of grey in life and not just a series of black and white situations, which other business guides will often use.

Overall this book is worth the time that you put into listening and applying the concepts and highly recommend. I found myself writing down some of the author’s more salient themes and phrases, such as the one in this title, as a reminder to check my perspective during critical thinking.

Note: I was given this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.