The Knowing-Doing Gap

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I read this book way back in the 2000's and I'd say it's in my top 10 list of business books ever. I read many Jeffrey Pfeffer books at that time and this is one I intend to read again at some point. This simplicity of this book can be summed up by saying....don't believe your own bullshit. Or, don't gaslight your own company.

In this book, they prove to you that most companies have a gap between what they know and what they do. You know this if you've ever worked at a company.

"We're a green company protecting the planet" while you know they don't even recycle.

"We treat our people lovely" while you're being bullied and asked to bully others.

This happens because most companies start change by declaring it. That's what we feel is 'strong leadership' but the challenge is when you don't followthrough.

The antidote is simple. If you flip how most companies work over and you hold yourself to the standard that you acquire knowledge through doing, there is never a gap.