In "Meltdown," Chris Clearfield and András Tilcsik delve into the complexities of modern systems, revealing how small errors can lead to catastrophic failures. The authors draw on case studies from various industries, illustrating the chaotic interplay between technology and human decision-making. As they dissect real-life meltdowns, readers are challenged to rethink the fragility of seemingly robust systems. They offer intriguing insights into building resilience and preventing future disasters. This thought-provoking exploration compels us to consider: how can we better navigate the intricate webs of our interconnected world?
By Chris Clearfield, András Tilcsik
Published: 2019
"In a world where complexity is ever-growing, the greatest challenge lies not in predicting failure, but in understanding how chaos can shape success."
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2018 BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES A groundbreaking take on how complexity causes failure in all kinds of modern systems--from social media to air travel--this practical and entertaining book reveals how we can prevent meltdowns in business and life "Endlessly fascinating, brimming with insight, and more fun than a book about failure has any right to be, Meltdown will transform how you think about the systems that govern our lives. This is a wonderful book."--Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better A crash on the Washington, D.C. metro system. An accidental overdose in a state-of-the-art hospital. An overcooked holiday meal. Surprising new research shows that all these events--and the myriad failures that dominate headlines every day--share similar causes. By understanding what lies behind these failures, we can design better systems, make our teams more productive, and transform how we make decisions at work and at home. Weaving together cutting-edge social science with riveting stories that take us from the frontlines of the Volkswagen scandal to backstage at the Oscars, and from deep beneath the Gulf of Mexico to the top of Mount Everest, Chris Clearfield and András Tilcsik explain how the increasing complexity of our systems creates conditions ripe for failure and why our brains and teams can't keep up--with an emphasis on practical solutions. It's an eye-opening, empowering, and entirely original book--one that will change the way you see our complex world and your own place in it.
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“In a world where complexity is ever-growing, the greatest challenge lies not in predicting failure, but in understanding how chaos can shape success.”
Meltdown
By Chris Clearfield, András Tilcsik
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Chris Clearfield is an accomplished author and consultant, known for his insightful writing on the dynamics of complex systems and risk management. He is the co-author of the praised book "Meltdown: Why Our Systems Fail and What We Can Do About It," which explores the intricacies of modern systems and the failures that can arise within them. Clearfield's writing is characterized by its clarity and ability to distill complicated concepts into accessible narratives, making complex subjects understandable to a broad audience. His work often blends rigorous research with engaging storytelling, appealing to both professionals and the general public interested in the intricacies of systemic risk.
András Tilcsik is a distinguished author and researcher known for his contributions to the fields of organizational behavior and sociology. His notable works include 'Organizational Culture: A Critical Review', which explores the dynamics of culture within organizations, and 'The Road to Uncertainty', a thought-provoking analysis of decision-making processes in uncertain environments. Tilcsik's writing style is characterized by its clarity and analytical depth, effectively bridging theory and practical application to engage both academic and general audiences.
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