Your Brain at Work

Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus, and Working Smarter All Day Long

By: David Rock

Narrated by: Bob Walter

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Emily and Paul: The parents of two young children, Emily is the newly promoted VP of marketing at a large corporation while Paul works from home or from clients' offices as an independent IT consultant. Their lives, like all of ours, are filled with a bewildering blizzard of emails, phone calls, yet more emails, meetings, projects, proposals, and plans. Just staying ahead of the storm has become a seemingly insurmountable task.

In this book, we travel inside Emily's and Paul's brains as they attempt to sort the vast quantities of information they're presented with, figure out how to prioritize it, organize it, and act on it. Fortunately for Emily and Paul, they're in good hands: David Rock knows how the brain works - and more specifically, how it works in a work setting. Rock shows how it's possible for Emily and Paul, and thus the listener, not only to survive in today's overwhelming work environment but succeed in it - and still feel energized and accomplished at the end of the day.

Your Brain at Work explores issues such as:

• Why our brains feel so taxed, and how to maximize our mental resources
• Why it's so hard to focus, and how to better manage distractions
• How to maximize your chance of finding insights that can solve seemingly insurmountable problems
• How to keep your cool in any situation, so that you can make the best decisions possible
• How to collaborate more effectively with others
• Why providing feedback is so difficult, and how to make it easier
• How to be more effective at changing other people's behavior

©2009 David Rock (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Fascinating info... difficult reader to stick with

I love the info in this book. I kept thinking, "Yes!" as the author was reviewing ways our brains work and how to manage our thinking and time, because I have found I have to manage myself just the same way. I have been caught going down all the rabbit trails he mentions. Fascinating. My only trouble was that the reader, who has a great voice, speaks with an odd cadence and inflection, so I had difficulty staying focused on the material. Great info, still. Worth the listen.

Life-changing ideas!

This book presents life-changing ideas from a scientific standpoint in a simple manner understandable by anyone.
Thank you!
E

Most applicable productivity book I've read!

It's quite different than any other "productivity" book that I've read so far and definitely the most applicable one. What I found most useful was the organization of the chapters (a.k.a. acts) which begin with a story from one/both of the imaginary protagonists' lives. There's always some sort of issue which stems from their wrong reaction which is ultimately neurological in origin.

The middle part of each chapter analyzes this neurological background, throws in some research that supports the conclusions and finally ends with (1) a summary of the things that went wrong and why they went wrong in this scene; (2) an alternate story (how things would have turned out if the protagonists had had the knowledge that we, the reader, now possess) and (3) a short summary of practical suggestions for everyday life. The endings of the chapters are perhaps the most valuable parts of the book and I think this is one of those books that I will have to read at least once more to be able to actively integrate it into my life.

Mind Best practices made accessible like candy

Great ideas for both personal and professional improvement. I think everyone will able to relate to the examples given

I love this stuff!

After reading some reviews I was not completely sure it was what I was after. I'm very glad I downloaded it. I am only 3/4 way through and felt compelled to write a review. I disagree with the review saying the narration was off-putting. I found it quite good. I tend to focus on what good I can find in everything, not what isn't perfect. I couldn't care less if he sang the book. From my perspective the content is first class and the narration is good. I like the way David Rock also lends credit to his message by quoting from other research/books and giving book titles I can consider reading/listening to. Putting messages and teachings in story format gives a real-life way of understanding it.

Good use of brain improves your performance

What did you like best about Your Brain at Work? What did you like least?

The brain is an amazing organ, but how brain functions is explained technically, not in easy language.

What was most disappointing about David Rock’s story?

Too much special study about brain. I wish he explained it easily for layman.

What three words best describe Bob Walter’s voice?

calm, monotonous, lack of enthusiasm

Did Your Brain at Work inspire you to do anything?

I will work my brain in applying what is suggested in the book.

Any additional comments?

I understood how brain functions, but it's too technical. I couldn't understand well. I want to read it again when I had a good comand of English.

Worth the read

Would you listen to Your Brain at Work again? Why?

Yes, because first time around is just wrapping your brain around the concepts

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, to much to absorb all in one sitting...worth taking notes

Any additional comments?

Insightful, informative...

A must listen...

Where does Your Brain at Work rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best. Plan to listen to part 2 several times/year.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Your Brain at Work?

That your conscious mind is a fickle and scarce resource that must be rationed only for the most important tasks. Like a high end Euro sports car, when not properly maintained it will cost you more in the long run.

What about Bob Walter’s performance did you like?

His voice was excellent. Can't believe some people knocked it...to each his own i guess. He really kept me coming back for more. Intelligent voice for intelligent topic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Just when you thought it was safe to use your brain...

Any additional comments?

Great "read.". Great author. Great narrator.

Excellent!!!

Very interesting and informative on the Brain's functions. Enjoyed all the scientific details on the functions of the brain.

An eye opener!

It offered a view to the brain's working in a clear and logical way. Soon I was able to see my own thinking as part of a stage of actors and how sometimes they acted on their own terms. Much like mice when the cat was not around.
This audiobook offered so many tips that I imagine posters with pointers and reminders all around me.