We’ve all made decisions and plans with the best of intentions: to save for retirement, to search for a better job, to go on a diet. However, we’re surprisingly bad at anticipating our own behavior and at sticking to those well-intentioned decisions. Harvard Business School professor and psychologist Gino investigates the behavior psychology behind this self-defeating behavior, and describes the forces that influence our decisions—“forces within ourselves,” “forces from our relationships with others,” and “forces from the outside world.” In lively prose, Gino describes experiments conducted with students, observing as despite their best intentions they get caught up in contagious emotions, focus too narrowly, fail to take the perspective of those around them into account, and form unproductive social bonds. If only we could acknowledge and recognize “the forces that derail decisions,” as Gino advocates, we could try to make better decisions and stick to them. Though the book is pitched to fans of Dan Ariely, Gino’s style and execution is much like his, and some experiments are even repeated and may not feel fresh. (Mar.)
“Similar to Chip and Dan Heath’s Made To Stick and Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, this book will appeal to those looking to build their business platform.” — Library Journal
“Thoroughly researched and informative, the book’s clarity and simplicity of structure are quite refreshing. Gino possesses a wealth of well-constructed research and experience — both inside university labs and in the business world. This book is filled with carefully explained studies that have taken many years to collect and establish, as well as many insights from the business consulting world.” — Business World magazine
“For the general reader desiring to learn more about research studies on some human decision biases and their effects, this book can provide a valuable perspective.” — Choice Magazine
“… a powerful survey outlining the entire decision-making process, how it gets derailed, and how to get it back on track.” — Midwest Book Review
“Worth reading in every respect [Sidetracked] distinguishes itself from other practical books in its substance and the relevance of its examples.” — Personalwirtschaft (Germany)
“What separates Sidetracked…from some other books on decision making is an in-depth exploration of the “human” obstacles as opposed to the “organizational” obstacles that can inhibit sound decision-making processes.” — Business Standard
“If you have always yearned to feel more secure in your decision-making, or at the very least, understand better why even your best-laid plans often go awry, Sidetracked is a straight-forward examination of the forces that affect our decisions which can help raise your awareness and keep you from veering off course.” — 800 CEO READ
“… an excellent book.” — Biz India (bizindia.net)
ADVANCE PRAISE for Sidetracked:
Dan Ariely, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics, Duke University; author of the New York Times bestsellers Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, and The Honest Truth about Dishonesty—
We are often unaware of the many forces that affect our decisions—sometimes with devastating consequences. In Sidetracked, Francesca Gino identifies and illuminates many of these forces to help us all make decisions that we, our mothers, and our kids will be happier with.
Chip Heath, Professor of Organizational Behavior, Stanford Graduate School of Business; co-author, Made to Stick and Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard—
Francesca Gino is one of the smartest and most insightful decision researchers in the field. Her clever research informs every page of this book and it will change the way you think about decision making.
Robert I. Sutton, Professor of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford Engineering School; author, Good Boss, Bad Boss and The No Asshole Rule—
Sidetracked is a scary, remarkably useful, and delightful romp. Scary because it shows how our imperfect brains can mess-up our decisions and our lives. Remarkably useful because it shows us how to thrive and triumph despite these imperfections. Delightful because Francesca Gino’s wisdom, quirky charm, and world-class smarts enrich every page.
John Engates, Chief Technology Officer, Rackspace—
Sidetracked is an indispensable guide for those interested in gaining insight into how we make decisions and the invisible forces that affect the process. Could our brains really be this susceptible to outside influence? The book reveals the truth—through example after example of carefully structured research—of just how easily influenced we are and concrete strategies for how to stay on track.
Daniel H. Pink, author, Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us and A Whole New Mind—
Why do so many of our decisions go awry? Francesca Gino says the answer might be staring at us in the mirror. In Sidetracked, she reveals the many forces that distract our attention, distort our reasoning, and ultimately lead us astray. Reading this rich mix of experimental evidence and lively stories will help you rethink—and improve—how you make decisions in your life.
Susan Cain, author, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking—
This engaging, beautifully written, and thought-provoking book is a must read for anyone who wants a deep understanding of how decisions get so easily derailed, and advice on how to stick to well-thought out plans. A truly entertaining journey that will keep you turning pages through the very end.
If you have always yearned to feel more secure in your decision-making, or at the very least, understand better why even your best-laid plans often go awry, Sidetracked is a straight-forward examination of the forces that affect our decisions which can help raise your awareness and keep you from veering off course.”
—800 CEO READ
What separates Sidetracked . . . from some other books on decision making is an in-depth exploration of the ‘human’ obstacles as opposed to the ‘organizational’ obstacles that can inhibit sound decision-making processes.”
—Business Standard
A powerful survey outlining the entire decision-making process, how it gets derailed, and how to get it back on track.”
—Midwest Book Review
For the general reader desiring to learn more about research studies on some human decision biases and their effects, this book can provide a valuable perspective.”
—Choice Magazine
Thoroughly researched and informative, the book’s clarity and simplicity of structure are quite refreshing. Gino possesses a wealth of well-constructed research and experience—both inside university labs and in the business world. This book is filled with carefully explained studies that have taken many years to collect and establish, as well as many insights from the business consulting world.”
—Business World Magazine
Similar to Chip and Dan Heath’s Made To Stick and Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, this book will appeal to those looking to build their business platform.”
—Library Journal
Thoroughly researched and informative, the book’s clarity and simplicity of structure are quite refreshing. Gino possesses a wealth of well-constructed research and experience—both inside university labs and in the business world. This book is filled with carefully explained studies that have taken many years to collect and establish, as well as many insights from the business consulting world.”
—Business World Magazine
With diction that sounds precise but never forced, Tamara Marston gives an appealing performance of this practical guide. The innocent quality in her voice is a good foil for the author’s academic rigor, making Gino’s advice sound more inviting than prescriptive. Decision making becomes derailed when intentions and realities relevant to choices are pushed aside by the power of inner emotional issues, important relationships, or the messages we get from our immediate surroundings and culture. Illustrated by personal anecdotes and research conducted by herself and other psychologists, her stimulating insights will widen everyone’s field of vision when in the midst of any important decision. This is an essential lesson for those wanting to be more proactive and effective with their choices. T.W. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
