Jerry Wind | Colin Crook | Robert Gunther
The world you live in is all in your mind, according to Wharton Business School Professors Yoram Wind and Colin Crook.
The Power of Impossible Thinking is a witty and lucid translation of neuroscience research about "mental models"--the deeply ingrained assumptions and images that shape our reality and influence opportunities for success and failure. "Our models are gated communities," say Crook and Wind, who offer a superb crash course on the power and limit of mental models.
The key questions: How do you know when an old model is worn out? How do you avoid "cognitive lock," filtering out information that conflicts with your model? How do you know a new model will live up to its hype? Many of the answers lie in "Mind R&D"--developing an inventory of new and old models and refining your intuition to fit your current reality. These engaging ideas are detailed with portraits of three impossible thinkers (Oprah Winfrey, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and Intel's Andy Grove) and vivid examples (The music industry vs. Napster, a French fry cancer scare, O-rings on the Challenger). Wind and Crook make such a brilliant case for new ways of seeing that readers may wish for more coaching to recognize the obsolete models that keep us from changing our minds. --Barbara Mackoff
1 A helpful framework for helping you see new paths to success
One of the reasons it is so difficult to teach creativity / innovation is that teaching involves the transmission of what is already known. If it is known, and the student's learning is measured by demonstrating mastery of the known, how much creativity is taking place? It is a difficult and serious problem because a good education has to include methods for keeping pace with the constant flux of innovation that continually redefines the world we live in.
"The Power of Impossible Thinking" by Jerry Wind and Colin Crook (and Robert Gunther), is a success in this difficult task because they don't try to provide a formula or recipe for successful innovation. Instead, they focus on those aspects of the way our mind works and the mental habits we develop that end up trapping us and leading us into failure. The basic idea of "Impossible Thinking" is that we need to free ourselves to seriously consider solutions that seem impossible. When we examine them, we will often find that somewhere in that new and open field is a path to success we could not see from our previous vantage point.
Now, if that were all they said it would not be much more than a repetition of the old saw to "think outside the box". The heart of this book is a four step process to help us be systematic in a general sort of way to help us step into these new areas of thought and then be able to consider them in some rational way so we don't end up running off a cliff we didn't see behind the brush. Those steps are: 1) Recognize the power and limits of mental models, 2) Test the relevance of your mental models against the changing environment, generate new models and develop and integrated portfolio of models, 3) Overcome inhibitors to change by reshaping infrastructure and the thinking of others, and 4) Transform your world by acting quickly upon the new models, continuously experimenting and applying a process for assessing and strengthening your models. This last one should also include abandoning models as well.
This book is not a panacea. However, if it can help the reader to understand how limited a view of the world we all have and how that lack of seeing everything can limit us and blind us to new paths of success, it is worth its weight in gold.
There is also an audio CD included that has a 20-minute summary of the book and then an interview with the authors discussing the ideas in this book.
You will be better off having read this book.
2 We are what we think
To paraphrase Descartes:
I think it is...therefore it is.
I think it's not...therefore it isn't.
Wind and Crook are really onto something when asserting that what seems to be an opportunity is perceived to be either possible or impossible, depending upon the given thinker's mental model. In this brilliant book, they explain how to understand the power and limits of mental models; how to test the relevance of mental models against a changing environment, generate new models, and develop a "portfolio" of models; how to overcome inhibitors to change by reshaping infrastructure and the thinking of others; and finally, how to transform one's world by acting quickly upon the new models, continuously experimenting and applying a process by which to assess and then strengthen one's mental models. Long ago, Henry Ford observed: "Whether you think you can or think you can`t, you're right." I agree with Ford to an extent: Self-fulfilling prophecies are almost always based on a positive or negative attitude. Nonetheless, I am wrong if I think that I can defeat Tiger Woods in match play competition. Wind and Crook would insist, however, that with the proper mental model and lots of hard work, I could eventually become a much better golfer than I would otherwise be.
They organize the material in this book as follows:
Part 1: Recognize [and Understand] the Power and Limit of Mental Models
Part 2: Keeping Your Mental Models Relevant
Part 3: Transform Your World
Part 4: Act Quickly and Effectively
Conclusion: What You Think Is What You Do
In the Appendix (The Neuroscience Behind Mental Models), one of the core concepts is that "reality is a story the brain and the world work out together." This is a variation on Lilly Tomlin's suggestion that reality is a "collective hunch." Wind and Crook are describing an on-going process which has four primary phases, each of which is examined in in one of the four Parts. The process is on-going in that, once the power and the limit(s) of mental models are fully understand, it is still necessary to ensure that one's own mental models remain relevant during efforts "dismantle the old order" while finding common ground "to bridge adaptive disconnects."
At every appropriate opportunity, as Wind and Crook carefully explain, it is imperative to be able to respond quickly and effectively. In Chapter 10, they discuss intuition and explain how to develop and enhance its capabilities. (Pages 181-186) Their discussion of "creative leaps" reminds me of much of what Malcolm Gladwell has to say about intuition in Blink. If I understand all this (and I may not), Wind and Crook seem to agree with Gladwell that underdeveloped intuition is (at best) a "lucky hunch" whereas developed intuition enables us to utilize talent, training, and (most important of all) experience to make appropriate decisions when we suddenly find ourselves in a life-threatening situation and must react.
In Chapter 11, Wind and Cook explain how three celebrity CEOs demonstrate in their respective lives and careers "the power of impossible thinking." Howard Schultz formulated new concepts of coffee as a beverage and cafˇ as a social environment within which to consume it. Under his leadership, Starbucks continues with rigorous experimentation which challenges its business model (based on Schultz's mental models), constantly trying to "stretch beyond the possible." The Oprah Winfrey Show is a prime example of "impossible thinking" in that Winfrey formulated a new mental model: She would interact with her audience as personal friends. The dialog was deliberately self-revealing as she discussed her own challenges and experiences, especially those which were personally unpleasant, at times deeply hurtful. "She adopted a goal to `transform people's lives.' She changed the ways people thought about talk shows and about their own lives -- in effect, challenging their mental models." With regard to Andy Grove, former chairman and CEO of Intel, he led and managed a huge global enterprise by preparing it for what he characterized as strategic inflection points: each reveals "a mental map of the New World."
As Wind and Crook explain, all three recognized the influence of childhood, education, and early work in shaping their mental models; kept their models relevant; made things happen by transforming the world around them; and acted quickly and effectively.
I appreciate the Conclusion section in which Wind and Crook reiterate their key points. Here are three:
1. "When you face a new decision or new challenge, step back a moment and consider whether or not you have the right model for it."
2. "To carry your new view into the world, pay attention to the factors that keep you locked in the old model or enable you to bring others into the world."
3. "If you can cultivate the ability to think in new directions, you have the possibility to transform the business of your life and the life of your business. There are so many opportunities for transformation if you could only see them. To see these opportunities and to seize them, you need the courage and the understanding to think impossible thoughts -- and then act upon them."
In response to these three points, presumably Henry Ford would suggest, "Whether you think you can or think you can't gain the power of impossible thinking, you're right." Wind and Crook disagree. Although the Model T was indeed a product of Ford's "impossible thinking" in 1908, newer and better mental models have produced newer and better automobiles each year since. In all other industries, newer and better mental models continue to produce newer and better whatevers. My hope is that, after absorbing and digesting the material in this book, many readers will then begin some impossible thinking about the business of their lives and the life of their businesses. They are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the CD-ROM which accompanies the book. It consists of an audio summary and an interview with the authors.
And perhaps more intellectually adventuresome readers will also do some impossible thinking about impossible thinking...then share it with Yoram (Jerry) Wind and Colin Crook.
3 This is a fascinating book about how people think
As someone interested in psychology, I read the Power of Impossible thinking with great interest: I found Wind's case studies to be the most compelling aspect of this out-of-the-box inquiry into the nature of various mental models and the information required to use them. You'll find yourself staying up late to finish this one - and when you reach the last page - you simply don't want it to end. Take your time and enjoy.
I'm sorry I finished reading the book. It was that good.
4 The Power (and Dangers) of Impossible Thinking
The reviews are mixed regarding this book. I really liked it. I have seldom seen a more logical and thorough writing. I couldn't recommend this book highly enough. I found it to be a highly entertaining and thought-provoking survey of the mental models behind our decision-making. I read through Power of Impossible Thinking in one day. I was simple unable to put this book down. I found myself relating all of the stories and the findings to my colleagues. It is simply that compelling. I found it to be the most enjoyable and informative book I've read this year.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Wind at a book signing for Power of Impossible Thinking. After hearing him discuss some of the topics in his book, I'm ready to read this book for a second time. I anxiously await the next topic he chooses to tackle for his next book and I highly recommend the Power of Impossible Thinking.
5 uninspiring
as another person mentioned, i have never been left with such a bad taste in my mouth that i have actually wanted to come write a review, but i really DID NOT enjoy nor grow from reading this book. i thought the ideas were ambiguous. there were no concrete strategies laid down concerning how to break free of the old/form new mental models. i recieved niether inspiration, nor helpful tools for change. "as a man thinketh" contains in it's twenty some odd pages far more thought provoking and mind expanding ideas than this two hundred and something paged book. and as for models thelearningweb.net has more helpful information than this book did, and there it's all free..
6 Not a CEO? No problem.
The Power of Impossible Thinking is a very relevant read. With so many business books geared towards upper level decision makers, it is refreshingly applicable to anyone in the business world regardless of experience or rank. It is filled with thought provoking examples and presented in a format that is surprisingly simple to follow. The concepts offered are easy to apply to your own challenges as well, so if you are looking for ideas to suppliment your current mode of thought, pick this one up.
7 A truly excellent book
Brilliant book. It is especially powerful because it is superbly structured, easy to read, and free of jargon. There are many important messages in the book, almost one on every page. Individuals, companies and organizations can use many of the ideas in "The Power of Impossible Thinking" to re-shape their thinking and to help change their corporate cultures and processes. If you enjoy the intellectual challenge this book is a MUST read .There is much to be learned from this book and much to be reflected upon. Simple but profound. A very important, and great book.
8 I want my money back
I've probably ordered over one hundred books from Amazon, and have never been driven to write a user review or give feedback until today.
The Power of Impossible Thinking is an awful, awful book. It reads like a Master's thesis with no ostensible purpose. Based on other Amazon user reviews, I expected new ideas that would challenge my way of thinking and aid my business development skills. What I encountered was a very lazy attempt at a self-help book with hackneyed ideas and uninspiring examples. I was actually angry during the entire read flipping each page with disgust (If it weren't for my obsession with finishing things I've started, I would have quit several chapters in). The author's basic message is - We have a mental model that has been formed by our experiences up until this moment. We must challenge these models. We challenge these models by speaking to people with vastly different experiences, gaining experience in different fields thus building intuition, and constantly changing focus to avoid losing sight of the big picture. The author then finds about 500 different ways of delivering this same message over and over again. Do not trust other recommendations here with promises of "changing the way you think". Anyone affected in such a way is a dolt. I expected a lot more from a Wharton School instructor. I did not learn one thing from this book.
9 Discover new ways of looking at the world and your life
I have read this book five times (shamelessly marking it up and writing in the margins), recommended the book enthusiastically to others, and purchased the book for others as well. Here's why: this book shows a way of understanding without being prescriptive or ideological. It's a guide book to chart unknown waters and rapids. It's like a wise mentor who does not have the answers, but who can tell you how you might find those answers yourself.
To me, this is a book of discovery, no matter where you start. You will wind up in places that you never imagined if you question and seek to understand the power and the limits of the models that you use to understand your world.
If you take this book seriously, it's a lot of work and effort to understand and apply, but I believe the striving and effort will be well rewarded!
10 Learn how to impact the way you think
Great read - explains in layman terms why we think a certain way and how/what can change the way we think about/percieve things. Perfect for those of us who have problems applying some of the skill sets/approaches that are successful for us in business but we can't seem to bring over to our personal lives.
11 Small Business Owners Should Read this Book!
This book really helps you to see how skewed we all view certain things and events in our lives. It also helps you to learn new ways of seeing things, that before my have been holding you back without you even realizing it. I would recommend this for anyone who owns a business, or has a managerial position within a company.
12 The Real New Way
This is the real new way of thinking. Simple, effective with outstanding results. A must read book for everyone.
13 Finally, a useful guide to mental models
Unlike so many other books of this type, this one resonates with the voice of experience and the sharing of solid research. Above all, this book is clear and practical; it provides very specific techniques to develop different mental models. I have been meditating for a number of years but had never conceptualized my practice in the context of my moods. I am finding The Power of Impossible Thinking's simple and direct writing useful in helping me understand how I can integrate mental models with external realities. I am a management consultant and will recommend this book to my clients, most of them are C-level executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs, etc). The authors have provided us with a down-to-earth tools and methodologies to leverage our mental powers.
14 Less than satisfying
If you want to read some good philosophical work on "Thinking" and/or "Perceiving", then this book is certainly not it!
This 'pseudo-philosophical' discourse is regurgitating a lot of Descartes' mistakes. Unfortunately, this book lacks the dramatic, albeit logically flawed, effect that Descartes achieved with his famous 'Cogito, ergo sum'.
I could find nothing in the book that lived up to the expectations created by its very teasing title. Most of the content of this book reminded me of nursery school, not business school.
15 Read this book if you are an arrogant perfectionist!
This book is the handbook for arrogant perfectionists. It advocates the idea that anything that isn't "impossible" or "the best", isn't good enough. There aren't a lot of "bests" in the world, and as is the case in most situations there isn't necessarily a "best".
I think improvement needs to be done in baby steps. You crawl, then you walk, then you run, and so on and so forth. The mentality of this book though, is that you should just start out running because it's the "impossible" thinking method. This book comes off to me as being very arrogant.
We don't live in a perfect world and fault can be found in virtually anything if we look hard enough to find it. This book is written on the false premise that anything that isn't "the best", simply isn't good enough. This is very similar to a classic form of pseudoreasoning whereby anything that is not perfect (i.e., "the best"), is rejected.
16 Misleading title, basically a book on everyday common sense.
I was excited about the title, in knowing what the author means by "Impossible Thinking."
This book probably could have been compressed into a pamplet with contents from the first and last couple of chapters. The idea of Mental Models are thought provoking. The technique of Zooming In and Out are useful. The ending Nueroscience chapter is full of information. But then you have about 80% of the book in the middle that are just full of generalizations and very basic common sense thinking. It's hardly "Impossible" thinking, and nothing ground breaking.
Instead of this reading, I would much recommend any self help book, or any book under "creativity" ("Cracking Creativity" by Michael Michalko is a good one) would be more insightfull.
Very dissappointing book, especially with such a seemingly dramatic title. Just full of generalizations and repeatedly asks the reader basic common sense questions.
17 The Power of Impossible Thinking
In The Power of Impossible Thinking, Wind and Crook show you how to challenge your own thinking to recognize and act upon the hidden opportunities that are all around us. As one of the inaugural titles of Wharton School Publishing, it demonstrates the creativity, power and impact of this new publishing initiative. If you want to transform your thinking, your business and your life, read this book."
18 Challenge yourself
A very impressive book! I found it to be very well organized and straight forward. The bottom line is that if you want to progress in any aspect of your life, whether professional or personal, you have to constantly challenge yourself and the "mental models" you use. I liked how the authors integrated examples from outside of the business world as well. This is definitely worthwhile book to read whether you are a "corporate type" or not. Two thumbs way up!
19 a very compelling management book
This book is a must read for executives. I appreciated the scientific approach taken by Jerry Wind and Wharton School Publishing. They obviously spent an enormous amount of time gathering data to support their conclusions. This book has given me a lot to think about in terms of how I run my business. A must read for professionals everywhere.
20 pioneering book on cognitive science
The power of impossible thinking takes on the connectionist mental models which is one of the most exciting areas in cognitive science, and neural network models have immediate theoretical and empirical appeal. This is an important, pioneering book that everybody interested in cognitive science and its application on our day-to-day life should read. Kudos to Wharton School Publishing for coming up with such powerful book!
21 The power of mental models
Just picked up last what happend to be a great (mind-stretching) book. It's The Power of Impossible Thinking, by Yoram (Jerry) Wind, and Colin Crook, both of the Wharton School, and Robert Gunther. Cover tag line: "If You Can Think Impossible Thoughts, You Can Do Impossible Things." That doesn't translate into goopy self-help jelly-rather, the ideas here are, in the main, byproducts of the "hard" neurosciences. Consider this zinger from the prologue:
"Researchers asked subjects to count the number of times ballplayers with white shirts pitched a ball back and forth in a video. Most subjects were so thoroughly engaged in watching white shirts that they failed to notice a black gorilla that wandered across the scene and paused in the middle to beat his chest. They had their noses so buried in their work that they didn't even see the gorilla.
"What gorillas are moving through your field of vision while you are so hard at work that you fail to see them? Will some of these 800-pound gorillas ultimately disrupt your game?"
22 A new wind through your head
Not often does one find a book that treats Mental Models so clearly. It nicely connects to the recent developments in neuro-science.
23 Understanding mental models to achieve change
Forget everything you've ever thought about how a book should be composed. The authors use the first dozen or so pages of The Power of Impossible Thinking to draw you in before you even reach the contents page. The way the book is structured is one of the many effective techniques the authors use to challenge readers to recognize the mental models that inform their actions. Countless examples throughout the text continue to help readers learn how and when to change their mental models and adopt "impossible thinking". The book serves as a helpful manual to achieve change, whether it be in business or your personal life.
24 Challenge Your Mental Models
Who says I am not capable of change?
When I first say this book I was turned off by what I perceived as its "positive thinking power" approach. I am glad I did not stop there. A careful reading revealed the book to contain a systematic process which helps define the importance of mental models, assess their relevance and steps for action.
The authors propose a four step process for assessing and changing your models.
1. Recognize the power and limits of mental models.
2. Test the relevance of your models against the changing environment, generate new models and develop an integrated portfolio.
3. Overcome change inhibitors by reshaping infrastructure and thinking.
4. Transform your world by quick action. Continuously experiment, assess and strengthen your models.
This fourth point, the authors say, is accomplished by "zooming in" and "zooming out." Zooming in is a process that involves focusing of a situation's details without being over whelmed by them. The process includes these approaches:
1. Engage in rigorous analysis. Pay attention to outliers and inconsistencies.
2. Categorize and Prioritize. Categorize by similarity, common fate and continuation.
3. Avoid Paralysis caused by too broad a focus.
Zooming out allows you to look at the big picture. It is accomplished by:
1. Recognizing the limits of your vision field.
2. Avoid Cognitive fixation.
3. Appreciate the context.
4. Create time for reflection.
5. Use many approaches.
6. Collaborate.
The models you adopt shape your approach to life. The dot-bomb bubble provides interesting lessons, the authors say.
1. Understand your models.
2. Know when to change. Do not get swept away with fads.
3. Recognize that paradigm shifts are a two-way street. Old models have value in an e-commerce world.
4. Develop a new way to see and perceive.
5. Mine nuggets of sense from streams of complexity.
6. Experiment.
7. Bridge disconnects.
8. Examine your infrastructure.
9. Trust your intuition - but have the courage to challenge it.
To change your world, you have to change your thinking. This book is a thoughtful, systematic approach expanding your personal and business opportunities.
25 This book can be life-changing, period
If you approach this book with an open mind and follow the simple frameworks, you will be changed forever in a very special way. You will find new mental models that will bring peace and harmony to your life through leveraging your greatest asset: the power of your mind
26 This book was OK.
I enjoyed reading the book but I cannot say that I am a huge fan of this type of literature. Its great if you really like exercising your brain but I normally enjoy reading as a relaxation activity and not so much for heavy learning, which I do at school.
If you're the kind of person that likes these types of books you will definitely enjoy this one. The author makes some very valid points and even in cases where you do not agree, you can see the merit of the arguments used.
27 A Recommended read for EVERYONE
I really liked this book. My friends typically consider me as a very positive person, but this book made me examine how even the little things that I do in my life affect people around me. This book provides very thorough mental frameworks for day to day life to recognize the positive in yourself and others. This is the book that I will use in everyday situations. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a more fulfilling life. I truly enjoyed it.
28 Somewhat interesting, somewhat obvious
This is better than many business books in that it actually has some new things to say. Nevertheless, the authors do what so many others have done before them -- they take one or two really good ideas and then over-extend a discussion of them in order to fill a whole book. While the ideas contained here are worthwhile, they could have been expressed just as well -- perhaps better -- in a feature-length article in the Harvard Business Review or similar publication.
That said, I will acknowledge that there are a couple of chapters worth a careful reading, particularly those that discuss how one knows when to update one's "mental models", which is the term that the authors use for world view, or one's basic approach to life. I also think that the final chapter, which focuses on current social and political issues, is very good. Most of the book, however, can be abasorbed just by skimming through the pages.
The authors do make some good points about how to relate to people who use different mental models, and they also shed light on what they call "adaptive disconnects" -- the techniques people use to integrate the conflicting views they hold in their own minds.
For a more thorough and relevant discussion of how opposing views stem from differing mental models used by individuals, check out the writings of George Lakoff, a cognitive behavioralist who studies people's use of metaphors. His book, Moral Politics, is must reading, especially if you are interested in the polarization of contemporary politics in the US.
29 Nothing is Impossible!
This book is awesome. Page after page leads you to experience a true "Ah - Ha !" moment. Don't continue to wonder why you keep making the same mistakes over and over! Do something about it, and start by reading "The Power of Impossible Thinking". I have read this book twice and will definitely be reading it again. Thank you Wharton School Publishing for backing such an important work!
30 Great Book! Well worth the investment!
The authors did an outstanding job of covering a great deal of material in a concise, easy to read manner. The abundance of examples provided valuable insights into both the problems of getting stuck in a particular way of thinking as well as constructive ideas on how to achieve, and help others achieve, breakthrough thinking. In addition, the framework the authors provided delivers realistic ideas on how to change thinking at both the personal and professional levels. I would buy this book again, and probably will.
31 Absolutely oustanding!
Once in awhile a book comes along that I consider "my bible." This one certainly measures up to that for me. I was riveted by the whole book. I was also stunned because it gave me many practical examples of the grading process I use with my graudating and graduate students. I want them to demonstrate what I call "new clear thinking" which, in the authors' words, probably resonates with their description of "mental models." This process is not only quite challenging for me, but especially for my students and has eliminated that well-honed skill that students exhibit so often called "regurgitation"! As that famous cook says on T.V., "Turn it up a notch!" For me, and for the authors of this superb book, turning things up a notch (or two or three) means to be open to new mental models, challenge one's exhisting mental models, dig deeply into reflection and openness to feedback so that we can "see" more dynamically and vibrantly because we have widened and deepened our thinking more dynamically and vibrantly. A big thank you to the authors.
32 Must read book
I have been trying to explain why Japan has fallen into a pitfall and cannot come out of even the simplest problems. One can call it an innovators dilemma, but that does not solve the problem. This book suggests we have to go back to the basics of reviewing our underlying 'mental models' now and then, and only then, have to construct a new model, perhaps plural, and move onto exploring the new terrain.
33 Useful book
This is a good inaugural piece from Wharton School Publishing. The book deals with how much of what we "see" is really only what we "perceive." Reality is perception, and if you can change your pre-conceived notions, things that were once deemed impossible, become very much possibile. The best example of this is the 4-minute mile, which was once thought to be an unbreakable barrier for athletes until Barrister finally cracked the record, and subsequently a dozen other runners broke that time within a few months. Once the athletes knew that a sub-4 minute mile was possible, it was easier to actually achieve it. I'm usually wary of business school texts that read like academic journals, but this was a fairly entertaining and informative read.
34 Smarter models = smarter results is an improvement
The Power of Impossible Thinking shows you how to IMPROVE internal mental models and looks at situations from a different perspective. This book is one of the better books on thinking, and definitely a worthwhile read. In my opinion, the essential book on how to think is Optimal Thinking. Optimal Thinking shows you how to rise above improvement to OPTIMIZATION in any situation.
35 Essential Reading
The central point around which this useful book revolves is that the Mental Models in our head determine what we see, and what we think is real, when looking at the outer world. Our mental models provide the framework for our actions and responses in our world; and determine our ability to see, or not see, opportunities. Given the huge role our mental models play in the quality and nature of our lives, it is a subject well worth becoming more aware of and paying attention to.
The Power of Impossible Thinking does an excellent job of introducing the reader to the basic concepts of mental models, and then taking you through the process where you can begin to think in terms of your own mental models and how they might be limiting you. The topic is looked at from many different angles, allowing one to become something of an expert in a relatively short time.
In terms of applying this information to my own business and my competitors, I became aware that we are all working out of somewhat different mental models. This causes us to present our businesses to our buyers in significantly different ways. Becoming aware of the mental models of my competitors helped me think more clearly on where our company strengths and weaknesses are, and what we can do to gain a greater competitive advantage. In fact, I don't think I have ever been able to think about my competitors as clearly as I was able to do after reading this book. Needless to say, this is valuable information.
Reading The Power of Impossible Thinking was a refreshing, invigorating read. I recommend it.
36 Required Reading
This book has many applications, not just in a business sense. A great read for Business student, MBA students, CEO's, and EVERYONE ELSE! Many practical applications that could work for anyone in whatever goal is set.
37 Examine your own mental models
Reading this book is like going into a dark room and turning on a black light - showing you everything from a new perspective.
The authors have the ability to take complex concepts, and by the use of easily understood anecdotes, make those concepts accessible. The book should be read not just by business students, but by anyone who wants to make a change in their business or personal life.
Daniel Ryan, PhD
Author, Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities
38 Impossible thinking and holes-in-one
"The Power of Impossible Thinking" is a powerful, insightful book that challenges you not to reshape or rework, but rather to DESTROY tired, self-defeating thought processes and replace them with a new way of thinking. The new mindset refuses to allow you to place constraints on your ideas, thereby opening up the potential fulfillment of your wildest dreams.
A couple of weeks after reading this wonderful book, I went out to a former U.S. Open course for a round of golf. Years ago, I had played very Competitively (captain of the high school golf team, narrowly missed making the golf team at Duke)... but had never made a hole-in-one.
My game is a far cry from what it used to be, but I still manage to hit a handful of excellent shots each time out. Usually about four or five times a round, I will set up over the ball and know I'm going to hit a terrific shot... the problem is, it's only about four or five times a round.
In a certain respect, it's ridiculous to engage in the "impossible thinking" of considering it a legitimate goal and desire to make a hole-in-one when one gets ready to tee off on a par three. But on this particular day, that's exactly what I did. I knew I had the right club (8-iron for a 152-yard shot), and I knew I could fly the ball at the hole. Thinking about how beautiful it would be when the ball went into the hole, I swung perfectly and sent the ball sailing sky-high towards the pin. The ball landed one foot short of the flagstick and trickled in for a hole-in-one. I credit the authors for helping me realize how impossible thinking can lead to incredible results... so thank you very much!
Robert Zorn
Dallas, TX
P.S. I'm about to launch a new company. Our inspired team is charged to figure out what's impossible, then do it and leave others wondering, "How in the world did they do that?" It's going to be fun!
39 A must read guide for CEOs and MBAs
This is very powerful and inspiring book on organizational transformation and change strategy. This book must be a required reading for MBA students and senior executives.
40 Required reading before attempting any change
This book should be required as the companion to every other business and self improvement book sold. I have read that over 75% of organizational change efforts fail, and this book explains how to overcome this problem. Most change programs (personal or professional, organizational or individual) fail because they don‰??t address the mental models that people use to comprehend and act in the world. Wind, Crook, and Gunther explain how not only to understand how mental models work but also how to change them. The writing is very direct and easy to read with excellent examples and insights. The ideas are based on solid research and science yet practical and usable. This is the first book from the new Wharton School Publishing imprint of Pearson Education, and if this is a sign of things to come, this will be an influential publisher of business books.
41 Guaranteed to Unlock your Creative Powers!
Do you remember the book from the 1970's A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD : How You Can Be More Creative
by Roger von Oech ? Would you like something similar, more modern and perhaps even better?
Well, Professor Jerry Wind of the Marketing Department at the Wharton School has put together a terrific, engaging book to help entrepreneurs, business managers, and just any person looking for methods to leap beyond his/her normal way of thinking into practical, results driven ways of viewing the ordinary.
Professor Wind tells us how people get stuck in 'models' of perception and what they need are new ways of seeing things. He points out the extraordinary capabilities we have of 'reframing' our viewpoints and by very simple means, come up with problem solving, revenue enhancing methods of dealing with the mundane.
If you are like me, in a business at the cutting edge of technology, needing to use any ideas that come up as potentially applicable, then you will certainly love this book.
Let's put it this way, I went through the whole book one time and immediately started to re-read it all over again, page by page, with a highlighter in one hand and a notebook in the other.
This is what can be called a 'handbook' for the 21st century visionary. You will want to bring it with you wherever you go, just for the opportunity of finding yet another gem of wisdom, so conveniently found in paragraph after paragraph.
