In the latest episode of Booksabc, Dinis Guarda reviews two books: ‘Stolen Focus’ by Johann Hari and ‘The Four Factors Of Trust’ by Ashley Reichheld and Amelia Dunlop. Though the two books are very different, they underline the framework for success. The series is a production of the Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast, powered by platforms openbusinesscouncil and citiesabc.
Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, and understanding. It enables us to make sound decisions and judgements, and to act in the best interests of ourselves and others. An essential part of life, wisdom can be acquired in many ways: books being one of the sources to impart wisdom. Books have the power to transport us to different worlds. They open our minds to new ideas and help us hone our skills and knowledge.
A thinker and avid reader, Dinis Guarda, reviewed two books in the latest episode of Booksabc, a series where he shares his insights and observations from some of the exemplary books. ‘Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention’ is a book by Johann Hari, the New York Times best-selling author whose work has been praised by a broad range of people, from Oprah to Noam Chomsky to Joe Rogan.
‘The Four Factors Of Trust: How Organizations Can Earn Lifelong Loyalty’, the second book reviewed in the episode, is written by Ashley Reichheld, a principal at Deloitte Digital and the creator of the HX TrustID, and Amelia Dunlop, Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.
“Both the books are very different from each other. But they underline the key elements in life”, said Dinis.
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A ‘chaperone’ of focus
Focus is the ability to concentrate all energy to the task at hand. It is the tool that helps to keep distractions at bay, enabling us to make progress toward our goals. It can also bring clarity to our lives, helping us to better understand our goals and objectives. Whether it’s in business, academics, or sports, having a laser-like focus on the task at hand is necessary to achieve success. Without focus, one can easily become overwhelmed and consequently digress from the path to success.
“You cannot achieve anything without focus. In a time of digital distraction where we are facing acute digital obesity, the challenge today is how to get into focus, without getting out-of-touch with reality”, emphasised Dinis.
‘Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention’, published by Bloomsbury, is a gripping narrative that explains that the inability to focus is not a personal failing, but a combined effect of powerful external forces. The author presents many case studies and exercises to help the readers arrive at their own points of focus.
“This book highlights many things. The narrative, especially, is very different. It touches on how you can actually pause, look, and find your focus. There is no specific solution for this, but at the end of the day, as long as you are conscious about focus and the things and technologies around you, you can actually change your life and find your own new ways”, said Dinis, reviewing the book.
A framework of a trusted ecosystem
Trust is an essential factor in any relationship, whether it is personal or professional. Trust is the fundamental element that enables us to create a sense of security and safety. When two people trust each other, they are more likely to work together as a team and be successful.
Dinis shared some key figures about relationships built on trust. He said that the organisations that trust can outperform their peers up to 400%, and customers who trust the brands are 88% more likely to buy again. 79% of the employees who trust their employer are more motivated to work and less likely to leave.
‘The Four Factors of Trust: How Organizations Can Earn Lifelong Loyalty’, published by Wiley, highlights the basic factors that make up the framework of an ecosystem built on trust. These factors are: Humanity, Capability, Transparency, and Reliability.
The book highlights some of the most unique case studies from brands like American Express to Delta Airlines. It is also available in a video format. The book is based on many real-time facts and figures that are also available at The Four Factors of Trust co-authored by Amelia Dunlop.
“The book has strong capacities to put together frameworks, data, and track records of other organisations, from the worst to the best, and that can actually help you with practicalities”, concluded Dinis.
Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.
