Noise - by Joseph McCormack (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Teaches managers and leaders to cut through the static and hone their focusing skills

In the current digital age, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to stay focused. Smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and other devices constantly vie for our attention. In both business and life, we are constantly bombarded with tweets, likes, mentions, and a constant stream of information. The inability to pay attention impacts learning, parenting, prioritizing, and leading. Not surprisingly, attention spans have gotten shorter. Already being pulled in a dozen directions every minute, managers and business leaders often struggle to address important issues and focus on everything that needs attention.

Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus teaches managers and leaders how to help themselves and others sharpen their focusing skills. In this follow-up to his first book Brief--the proven, step-by-step approach to clear, concise, and effective communication--author Joseph McCormack helps readers cut through the static and devote their attention to what is important. This engaging, informative book will help you:

• Apply effective, real-world techniques to hone your focus and reduce interference
• Learn the lessons taught to organizations such as Harley-Davidson, BMO Harris Bank, MasterCard, and the US Army
• Understand how modern technology can actually strengthen your focus if used correctly
• Avoid becoming a casualty of "weapons of mass distraction"

Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus is a valuable resource for leaders and managers seeking to develop laser-sharp focus and apply it to everything you do.

From the Back Cover

How can you focus when there is so much noise?

At work, at school, and at home, our days are filled with digital disruptions, random distractions, and constant information.

Our mind is a battlefield that's being divided by weapons of mass distraction. It's unclear how to defend ourselves while our brains suffer an unrelenting barrage.

Noise management is the key to leading an intentional life.

It's our personal responsibility to purposely manage how, when, and where we choose to control our attention. Here are a few things you'll learn in the book:

• Dependable maneuvers to avoid weapons of mass distraction in every facet of our lives
• Engaging stories that explore the real risks of succumbing to noise versus fighting it
• Effective, real-world techniques to strengthen your own focus and reduce interference
• Practical skills to help improve how other people around you can pay better attention

Rather than simply painting a depressing picture, this pragmatic guide offers a forthright approach to adapting to a busy, noisy world.

What's more, the book builds a direct connection between clear thinking and clear communication (the essence of the book BRIEF)--and purposeful living.

About the Author

JOE MCCORMACK is passionate about helping people gain clarity when there is so much competing for our attention. He is a successful marketer, entrepreneur, and author. His first book, BRIEF: Make a bigger impact by saying less (Wiley, 2014) sets the standard for concise communication.

Joe is the founder and managing director of The BRIEF Lab, an organization dedicated to teaching professionals, military leaders, and entrepreneurs how to think and communicate clearly. His clients include Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Microsoft, Mastercard, DuPont, and select military units and government agencies. He publishes a weekly podcast called Just Saying that helps people master the elusive skills of focus and brevity.

He lives in Pinehurst, NC, and suburban Chicago, IL.