The most important thing we can do is make people believe change is not only possible, but it is sustainable, and how best to create sustainable change is to do so via making small incremental improvements every day.
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In a nutshell
If you were president of South Africa for 30 minutes, what is the one thing you would implement that could have a catalytic effect on the economy?
This is the question that Bruce Whitfield seeks to answer in The One Thing. By posing this question to a list of 100+ impressive contributors, he challenges you to answer the same.
Book Club Notes
I’m yet to read a book by Bruce Whitfield that I don’t enjoy, and this one was no exception.
The premise of this book is intensely interesting and I was shocked by how many of the contributors I had never heard of.
This book is thought provoking and inspiring. It brings to the forefront all that our country has to offer by showcasing a group of extraordinary South Africans who want the best for this country.
It is also an excellent book choice to develop a morning reading habit around. With short sections grouped by topic and split into each contributor, it is very easy to digest slowly.
My Stand out Tags from The One Things
There is an old joke about a CEO and FD talking about training budgets. ‘What if we train them and they leave?’ says the number cruncher, to which the CEO sagely replies: ‘ What if we don’t and they stay?’ – Bruce Whitfield P. 90
It’s alluring to think that we just need a better political party, a better candidate to lead us out of trouble. However, today the very endeavour of getting elected involves a level of megalomania and self-aggrandisement that is unworthy of a true leader. – Farzam Ehsani P. 29
The moment people believe that the future might be better than the present, they will behave differently to make it happen. – Bruce Whitfield P. 60
While the journey may be long, as Bill Gates wisely observed, we often overestimate what we can achieve in the short term and underestimate what can be accomplished over time with persistent, focused effort. – Gidon Novick P.76
Better a smaller decision that is implemented and can be improved than a big idea that dies in a conference room. – Nicky Newton-King P. 111
That’s what practical innovation is – finding the right moment to use existing ideas. – Sim Tshabalala P. 115
In the business of growing up, sons have to test themselves against their fathers and other powerful male role models to find their own power. Psychologically, if they don’t, despite the bravado, an inferiority complex drives anger and young men self-destruct. – John Skotnes P. 256
I strongly believe that culture eats strategy for breakfast every single day. A very successful business person once told me: ‘If you can’t change the people, change the people.’ – Stephen van Coller P. 291
Read If
You work in the government! Or are just a regular South African.
Rating
Writing – 10/10
Applicability – 8/10
Timelessness – 5/10
Shareability – 10/10
The Nitty Gritty
Published by: Pan Macmillan
Genre: Non-Fiction, Business, Politics
ISBN: 978-1-77010-944-5
Pages: 340
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A note on our book ratings
Readability: How easy is it to read and understand what the author is saying? Do you need a dictionary or PhD to understand it?
Writing: How well written is the book? Do you find yourself wowed by the writing or unimpressed?
Applicability: How applicable is this book to daily life? Is there enough advice and actions that are easy to start applying?
Timelessness: Is the content of the book timeless or is it something that in a few years won’t have relevance?
Shareability: How likely are you to share the book?
