Book review: 'The Power of Habit' by Charles Duhigg
Monday, April 9, 2012 - 02:03
in Mathematics & Economics
The author explores how changing habits can change everything through examples including Paul O'Neill's policies at Alcoa.When Paul O'Neill took over the floundering Aluminum Co. of America in October 1987, he shocked attendees at an introductory news conference by proclaiming that his focus would not be on expanding sales or improving profitability. Rather, he said, his emphasis would be on improving employee safety. Investors at the conference thought he was crazy and rushed from the room to tell their clients to sell Alcoa stock immediately. "It was literally the worst piece of advice I gave in my entire career," one later said.