by John Wolpert (Author)
An inspiring and exciting guide to building unstoppable momentum for your transformative ideas
In The Two But Rule: Turn Negative Thinking Into Positive Solutions veteran tech innovator John Wolpert delivers an exciting, hands-on guide to using the principles of Momentum Thinking to get you--and your organization--unstuck. You'll learn how to build unstoppable velocity for your big idea, product, or strategy as you blast through the endless objections and counterarguments that bedevil every innovator and changemaker.
You'll discover how to address common "but" complaints, like "But that's too expensive," or "But that won't work," at the same time as you refine your idea and polish it into a gem worthy of attention and implementation. In the book, you'll also find:
- Explanations for why a "but" statement should always be followed by another "but" statement
- Discussions of why "toxic positivity" and blind optimism can be just as harmful as constant naysaying
- Step-by-step strategies for transforming momentum-killing objections into momentum-boosting innovation rocket fuel
A can't-miss resource for managers, executives, directors, and business leaders everywhere, The Two But Rule is also perfect for product managers, professionals in any field, government and academic leaders, and anyone else ready to successfully tackle their most stubborn and intractable problems.
Front Jacket
The Two But Rule: Turn Negative Thinking Into Positive Solutions, is a groundbreaking book that will revolutionize the way teams approach problem solving and innovation in today's complex world.
It will also make you laugh hard enough to shoot milk out your nose.
With a blend of humor and stories from the realms of technology, entrepreneurship, and history, The Two But Rule's approach to Momentum Thinking will help you embrace contrary viewpoints, break through avoidance patterns, and overcome inertia in everything, from changing careers and starting a business to tackling the biggest challenges facing humanity.
To do that, veteran tech executive John Wolpert is here to reacquaint you with your biggest asset for innovation, one that has been lost in a world stuck between the extremes of obstinate negativity and toxic positivity.
Why is this crucial for you? Because the world isn't getting less complex or uncertain. You're going to need a way to find clarity amid chaos, see opportunities where others see dead ends, and make connections in a world that seems more divided than ever.
The Two But Rule is for anyone facing tough choices and challenging relationships in their personal and professional lives.
It's a way out of endless circular arguments, and it's an indispensable resource for those who intend to build things that work and solve problems--without piling a dozen more on top.
If you're a leader, innovator, scientist or student...in government, academia, high tech, or nonprofits...running an enterprise, a startup or a local coffee shop...this book is for you.
Back Jacket
Praise for THE TWO BUT RULE
"In a world of boring business books, The Two But Rule is a surprising page-turner that delivers a refreshing way to embrace contrary viewpoints and break the cycle of inertia that plagues our national discourse. It's an approach that both journalists and decision-makers alike might use to better explore problems and solve them."
-- Jack Speer, NPR News Anchor
"The Two But Rule is based on an idea that I reacted to by thinking, 'But this is ridiculous.' Then, once I started reading it, I couldn't stop because, well, I kept finding myself thinking, 'But he does such a good job of convincing me that he's right.' BOOM! John Wolpert snagged me with that magical second but. I am a huge fan of this book--it's useful, timeless, and just plain fun to read."
-- Robert I. Sutton, New York Times bestselling author of The No Asshole Rule and (with Huggy Rao) The Friction Project
"No buts about it--The Two But Rule brings the art of critical thinking into the 21st century. Not only will you have fun reading this, you really will improve your problem-solving skills."
-- Geoffrey Moore, Author, Speaker, Advisor
"Wolpert creates a memorable way to embrace Momentum Thinking in your innovation process. This technique opens up new possibilities for organizations of all sizes, harnessing the energy of critics and nay-sayers to catapult teams in new and better directions."
-- Henry Chesbrough, Professor at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and author of Open Innovation
Author Biography
JOHN WOLPERT has founded companies, R&D consortia, and open source organizations in his decades-long career, from the early days of the Web to the rise of artificial intelligence. John has served as a CEO, a product executive, and a writer featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and the popular newsletter and podcast, 2Buts.com. But the title that describes him best is Seeker of Awesomeness. It's a role that taught him not to ignore obstacles or hide from problems but to embrace them.