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Strangers to Ourselves
262 pages, 2004
At a time of soaring corporate profits and plenty of HR lip service about "wellness," millions of workers are deeply unhappy. Why did work become so miserable? Who is responsible?
And does any company have a model for doing it right? For two years, Lyons ventured to search for answers. He immersed himself in the often half-baked and frequently lucrative world of what passes for management science today.
He shows how new tools, workplace practices, and business models championed by tech's empathy-impaired power brokers have shattered the social contract that once existed between companies and their employees.
In 'Strangers to Ourselves', Timothy D. Wilson explores the power of the unconscious mind. He suggests that our unconscious mind is constantly processing information and influencing our behavior, even when we're not aware of it. This means that we're often strangers to ourselves, not fully understanding why we do what we do.
Wilson digs into the concept of self-perception. He argues that how we see ourselves can greatly influence our actions and decisions. So, if you want to change your behavior, you might need to start by changing your self-perception.
The book introduces the concept of 'adaptive unconscious'. This is the idea that our unconscious mind is not just a repository of hidden desires and fears, but a sophisticated, active and adaptive part of our mind that helps us navigate the world. It's like a supercomputer that's always on, helping us make sense of the world.
Wilson also takes a look at the limitations of introspection. He suggests that introspection can sometimes lead us astray, making us believe we understand our motivations and feelings when we really don't. This is a reminder that self-understanding is a complex process that requires more than just introspection.
In 'Strangers to Ourselves', you'll find that Wilson believes in the power of behavior to drive change. He suggests that if you want to change your feelings or attitudes, start by changing your behavior. This is a powerful message for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.