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April 27 - May 18, 2015 16 Working World l WorkingWorld.com W ith help from getAbstract, the world's largest library of business book summaries, Working World takes a quick look at the TOP 5 Business Books. 1. THE SPORTS GENE Are great athletes born or made? Both. Can Malcolm Gladwell's famed "10,000-hour rule" – which defines the length of time a person needs to master a skill – explain Donald Thomas? He's the world champion Bahamian high jumper who triumphed despite his lack of experience, his indifference to training and his rough technique. As sports journalist David Epstein writes in this fascinating study, athletic success turns out to be a complex stew of genetic and cultural factors. That's why Thomas, an unknown, could defeat an Olympic champion who devoted his life to perfecting his high jump technique. Epstein, an informed, engaging guide to sports science, argues convincingly that the 10,000-hour rule is a vague guideline, not a road map. He doesn't shy away from uncomfortable discussions of race in sports; he addresses this touchy topic and others in a tactful, respectful way. A writer at Sports Illustrated, Epstein clearly conveys complex technical concepts, and he offers a view of performance and training, which managers in other fields may find illuminating. getAbstract recommends his study to supervisors, coaches and parents seeking insight into athletic success. David Epstein | From THE SPORTS GENE by David Epstein. Summarized by arrangement with Current, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, a Penguin Random House Company 2014 | 352 pg. | ISBN: 9781617230127 2. THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY Embrace the powerful philosophy of Stoicism to turn any obstacle to your advantage. Through the ages, people have relied on the philosophy of Stoicism to conquer their difficulties. In addition to ancient Greeks and Romans, proponents included Frederick the Great, Michel de Montaigne, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Adam Smith and Theodore Roosevelt. Every year, former US president Bill Clinton studies the writing of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, a well-known Stoic philosopher. Former Chinese leader Wen Jiabao has read Marcus's immortal Meditations "more than 100 times." Media strategist Ryan Holiday explains how contemporary people can utilize some venerable Stoic principles to turn obstacles into advantages. His lively, clear prose brings these ancient ideas to modern life. getAbstract recommends his helpful guide to the Stoic path to leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing significant challenges. Ryan Holiday | From THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY by Ryan Holiday. Summarized by arrangement with Portfolio, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC 2014 | 224 pg. | ISBN: 9781591846352 3. DEVELOPING HUMAN CAPITAL The time has come – and passed – for HR and learning professionals to embrace data analytics. The economy and the workforce have evolved beyond the traditional understanding and capabilities of many human resources (HR) and training divisions. As HR analysts and learning experts Gene Pease, Bonnie Beresford and Lew Walker argue, other professions effectively leverage data and evidence in making decisions, yet HR and learning officers generally rely on experience and instinct. Even so, most seasoned learning and development FEATURED ARTICLE by getAbstract Top Business Books