As thoughts turn to New
Year’s resolutions and behavior modification, consider these two titles:
How Change Happens by Duncan Green, a blogger and Senior Strategic
Adviser for Oxfam. His publisher (Oxford University Press) says, “This book bridges the gap
between academia and practice … to explore the topic of social and political
change.” Green succinctly outlines his argument, discusses the complex system
of change, and “encourages multiple strategies, rather than a single linear
approach, [seeing] failure, iteration and adaptation as expected and necessary.”
Even though Green admits “this is a book written by a white, Western (and rapidly aging)
male, and it inevitably echoes … [his] experiences, networks, culture,
assumptions, and prejudices,” How Change Happens is a very thought-provoking
read, using case studies and numerous examples to highlight his “power and
systems approach,” particularly for activists and proponents of progressive
change.
Look
also for Win at Losing by
Sam Weinman, an award-winning sports
journalist. In fact, I will be recommending this title as a summer read for our Senior
Writers Seminar. Weinman not only writes in an entertaining and compelling
fashion, he delivers an important message, especially for young people, noting
“how our biggest setbacks can lead to our greatest gains.” As Randy Pausch (The Last Lecture) explained,
those brick walls are indeed there for a reason. Weinman interviews
celebrities, politicians and sports figures, chronicling their resilience and
ability to overcome obstacles. Win at Losing will fit nicely with the growth mindset we encourage
our students to develop and allow them to reflect on and appreciate how
setbacks can shape all of us in positive ways.
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