(Audio) Book Review: "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking" by Malcom Gladwell

I know what you're thinking: Thank God not another post about blogging! (I hear you...I needed a break, too.)

The other day I finished Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, by Malcolm Gladwell. I had read an interview with him in Business 2.0 or Fast Company or one of those types of magazines that I like and the ideas that were in the book intrigued me.

The basic idea is that sometimes a gut reaction (the first two seconds) can be better than scientific research. Gladwell looks at why this is true, and why sometimes our initial reactions can go so wrong.

The book starts strong, with an excellent (cautionary) tale about a museum's purchase of a great find in near-mint condition. All the tests they do come back proving the statue is as old as it's supposed to be, and all the accompanying documentation back up its authenticity.

However, as art experts are brought in, they almost immediately sense something's wrong, although they can't put their finger on it. Some actually feel sick.

After another round of extensive testing, the statue is proven to be a fraud, despite all of the scientific evidence to the contrary.

While the book is filled with interesting and intriguing stories like that one, and the debacle that ended Amadou Diallo's life, in the end, it's just a collection of fascinating stories. The common thread that ran through the stories was too weak to leave me with a feeling of "aha! Now I know what to do!"

However, let me share a little story with you (if you've got the time.)

Years ago I worked for a medical supply company. For a Christmas party, the owner hired a psychic to do readings for all the staff.

One by one we filed down the stairs to be greeted by a woman who looked like a dead ringer (no pun intended) for Zelda Rubinstein, the diminutive actress in Poltergeist who helps Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams recover their little girl.

Most of my co-workers got readings like "you will receive a huge inheritance," or " you will meet the man/woman of your dreams, "you will find a better job." (I wonder why she wasn't hired back the following year.)

However, this woman just told me, "you need to listen to your gut more. You're ignoring your gut, but it knows more than you." Then she gave me an inappropriate shoulder rub to get the bad vibes out of my system.

A few weeks later my boss (who I still think is one of the greatest mentors I've ever had) changed my position from outside sales to inside marketing. I knew this wasn't for me, but in the past I would have just accepted it. In fact, I did accept the position, but I began to plan for what I wanted to do next.

I soon quit my job, started my own Web design company, and went on a cross-country roadtrip which I chronicled in a guerrilla Web site.

Ever since then, I've always trusted my gut over my brains when the two disagree. I especially trust my gut over what other people say when they are in conflict. Better to be wrong in doing what you feel is right than the other way around.

To that end, I appreciate that there may be some scientific backup for what that psychic-for-hire taught me  all those years ago.

Do I recommend Blink? Yes, it's a fascinating read. I just don't know if it's going to get you to change the way you live or work.

Rich Brooks
Going With My Gut