"Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel your time is constantly being hijacked by other people's agendas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the way out is the way of the Essentialist. Essentialism isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. Only once we discern what is absolutely...

Poses questions for pondering: "Would you rather be a dog or be a cat?", "Would you rather live in igloos or in tents?", "Would you rather be a mermaid with a tail instead of feet?"

Is it best to be emotionless and analytical in decision making? When our goal is to be decisive, the answer is a resounding no. Instead, harnessing the power of emotions is critical. Studies of the neural underpinnings of decision making show that our brains start by evaluating options analytically. But very soon usually based on first impressions we create an emotional front-runner. We then continue down a path of predecisional distortion, which...

Decision making cuts across all human activities. Yet we rarely study much less apply the fundamental thinking processes that should be undertaken before we make important decisions. Most of us can't stop our emotions from having more sway than rational deliberation. Dr. Howard, who has spent much of his career studying this struggle between instinct and logic, describes the elements of high-quality decisions: proper framing, clear alternatives, appropriate...

A boy wants all of the pets in a pet store but he and his sister can choose only one. End notes discuss Dr. Seuss's pets, his creative process, and the discovery of the manuscript and illustrations for "What Pet Should I Get?"

Reggie's boyfriend dumps her just before the big dance. The boss won't let Sam off to attend a wedding. Mark argues to get the family car for a date. Using realistic vignettes, this program teaches an easy-to-apply procedure for settling disputes fairly and maintaining good relationships. The guide includes discussion starters plus directions for sociodramas and mindmapping.

Organisations need to innovate and change in order to survive. So why are so many people afraid of it? How do you help people open themselves up to change? Joel Barker's best selling training program, The New Business of Paradigms, explains how the rules we live by can limit our ability to innovate and be creative. In example after example, Joel demonstrates how thinking differently is necessary for us to grow as organizations and as individuals....

Colleen is devastated when her best friend changes schools--but when she learns that Meredith is teaching her new cheerleading squad the routine they created together for an upcoming competition their friendship is tested.

A gripping exploration of a jury's members' perspectives on the most wrenching decision: the death sentence With a life in the balance, a jury convicts a man of murder and now has to decide whether he should be put to death. Twelve people now face a momentous choice. Bringing drama to life, A Life and Death Decision gives unique insight into how a jury deliberates. We feel the passions, anger, and despair as the jurors grapple with legal, moral,...

When Claudia's family decides to put a pool in their backyard, she is torn because her tree house tree would have to be cut down to make room for it. The dilemma complicates her life even more until she decides to find an alternative pool plan that would accommodate both the pool and the tree. Includes a glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.