Focus by Daniel Goleman

After a promising start this book proved disappointing. Goleman emphasises the need for each of us to consider ourselves, others, and the systems we live in, when making choices. After a certain IQ point (a little above the average) people who are self aware, empathetic, and can easily understand the big picture (how an organisation operates) are more likely to succeed than simply the best intellects.

If we go through life in a state of busyness (multitasking, skim reading, looking at our phones etc) we are unlikely to see the people around us or be in tune with ourselves. Goleman's two solution are brain training exercises (a chance to talk about brain plasticity) and mindfulness. People who meditate quickly become more self aware and more other focused.

Goleman gives a good deal of time to climate change and the importance of the common good in making business decisions. Here he rehashes what has been said about our tendancy to deal with problems that are immediate and to ignore the long term. He condemns politicians who care only about being reelected and not the mess that is being left for future generations.

Most of the case studies Goleman uses come from his immediate family or work colleagues which suggests he's either name dropping or the book involved very little research.