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Title: Management Rewired: Why Feedback Doesn’t
Work and Other Surprising Lessons from the Latest
Brain Science
Author: Charles S. Jacobs
Stars: ***
In “Management Rewired” Charles Jacobs aims to debunk popular
management wisdom using brain science. Many of the concepts aren’t
necessarily new. For instance, many agree that money is not a very good
motivator. Jacobs explains why using neuroscience.
The overarching premise of the book is that people are not machines. They
have minds of their own and their decisions are shaped significantly by
emotions. In fact, everyone has his/her own version of reality. So, simply
employing “logical” means like providing positive or negative feedback to
encourage or discourage behavior does not have the intended consequences.
When people are confronted with negative feedback they get defensive and
sometimes even aggressive. They come up with their own reasons for why
the boss is spewing such nonsense. Often they not only repeat the offending
behavior, but do so with increased vigor and frequency. Conversely, when
people are rewarded, their intrinsic motivation decreases in favor of the
extrinsic reward. When the extrinsic reward is not as large/frequent as
expected, performance becomes worse.
So what is the solution? According to Jacobs, it’s not about forcing, but about
convincing. We actually need to change the way people think about their
world. We need to create an environment that has people select the behavior
we desire. Easier said than done, huh? Actually, Jacobs provides some
methods for doing so including the use of metaphors and stories. You’ll need
to read yourself to find out more.
For a book that on the surface seems like it would contain some heady
material, it’s actually a fairly easy read. The author does a fine job of distilling
the brain science concepts in an understandable and even entertaining way.
Although you may not agree with everything, the book will challenge some of
your beliefs and make you think. The suggestions, if practiced, will make you
a better manager and leader.
Work and Other Surprising Lessons from the Latest
Brain Science
Author: Charles S. Jacobs
Stars: ***
In “Management Rewired” Charles Jacobs aims to debunk popular
management wisdom using brain science. Many of the concepts aren’t
necessarily new. For instance, many agree that money is not a very good
motivator. Jacobs explains why using neuroscience.
The overarching premise of the book is that people are not machines. They
have minds of their own and their decisions are shaped significantly by
emotions. In fact, everyone has his/her own version of reality. So, simply
employing “logical” means like providing positive or negative feedback to
encourage or discourage behavior does not have the intended consequences.
When people are confronted with negative feedback they get defensive and
sometimes even aggressive. They come up with their own reasons for why
the boss is spewing such nonsense. Often they not only repeat the offending
behavior, but do so with increased vigor and frequency. Conversely, when
people are rewarded, their intrinsic motivation decreases in favor of the
extrinsic reward. When the extrinsic reward is not as large/frequent as
expected, performance becomes worse.
So what is the solution? According to Jacobs, it’s not about forcing, but about
convincing. We actually need to change the way people think about their
world. We need to create an environment that has people select the behavior
we desire. Easier said than done, huh? Actually, Jacobs provides some
methods for doing so including the use of metaphors and stories. You’ll need
to read yourself to find out more.
For a book that on the surface seems like it would contain some heady
material, it’s actually a fairly easy read. The author does a fine job of distilling
the brain science concepts in an understandable and even entertaining way.
Although you may not agree with everything, the book will challenge some of
your beliefs and make you think. The suggestions, if practiced, will make you
a better manager and leader.
V E N T U R E S , L L C