Hacker News Reader

Comment by hawktheslayer | Hacker News Reader

Storytelling with Data - because so many people are bad at PowerPoint: http://www.storytellingwithdata.com/book

R for Data Science - because it is such a solid foundation for a career in business analytics: http://r4ds.had.co.nz

And for extra credit two books I hope my collegues DON'T read since they are best kept secret are Cialdini's two books on influence: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Cialdini

View on HN

Consider that powerpoint is not the right medium 95% of the time, but is being pushed as the only medium 100% of the time.

Why are they best kept secret?

Ostensibly to prevent them from using the techniques on yourself, or so that they don't recognize when you are using the techniques on them.

Aren't we talking about colleagues? Shouldn't it be a collaborative environment?

I meant it somewhat tounge-and-cheek, but if I recall correctly even Cialdini quotes Uncle Ben's line to Spiderman about "with great power comes great responsibility". I also should mention that I work for a large corporation, and while I strive to be collaborative, it is still a political environment I operate in.

His books weaponize common psychological traits and teach how to use them to achieve one’s means. An extremely toxic approach in my opinion.

I really enjoyed Sandi Metz’ talk on this very topic, in which she addresses the books and offers alternative approaches to creating influence through leadership and solid relationships.

It’s a talk I’d recommend for the whole team to watch, together.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VzWLGMtXflg

Reply on news.ycombinator.com