The Human Element

Overcoming the Resistance That Awaits New Ideas

By: Loran Nordgren, David Schonthal

Narrated by: Peter Lerman

The Human Element is for anyone who wants to introduce a new idea or innovation into the world. Most marketers, innovators, executives, and activists operate on a deep assumption. It is the belief that the best way to convince people to embrace a new idea is to heighten the appeal of the idea itself. We instinctively believe that if we add enough value, people will eventually say "yes." This reflex leads us down a path of adding features and benefits to our ideas or increasing the sizzle of our messaging-all in the hope of getting others on board. We call this instinct the "Fuel-based mindset." The Fuel-based mindset explains so much of what we do, from adding countless trivial features to software, to bolting a sixth blade onto a shaving razor.

By focusing on Fuel, innovators neglect the other half of the equation-the psychological Frictions that oppose change. Frictions create drag on innovation. And though they are rarely considered, overcoming these Frictions is essential for bringing new ideas into the world. The Human Element highlights the four Frictions that operate against innovation.

Perfect for business leaders, product managers, educators, and anyone else who seeks to bring new and exciting ideas to life, The Human Element is an indispensable resource to help people overcome the powerful forces of human nature that instinctively resist change.

©2021 Loran Nordgren and David Schonthal (P)2021 Ascent Audio

I was looking forward to it, but the voice 😵‍💫

The content of the book was exactly what I was anticipating after listening to Hidden Brain. One of the authors who spoke on the podcast (Loran Nordgren) has a voice that is both authoritative and aesthetically pleasing. Not so on the audiobook. The narrator sounds quite choppy and like he needs a throat drop. It’s a bit monotone and lacks emphasis on key points, losing the listener. Everything sounds the same and at the upper range of the narrator. No offense intended to the narrator. I’m sure he’s great, but the voice and the performance just did not do the book justice. Sad to say, I’ll be returning it and purchasing the actual book.

Fantastic Read

I’m going to purchase the hard copy version so i can makes notes of my favorite insights. I’ve already applied some of these techniques at work and also recommended that others read it.

Narration is grating

Pre-ordered after hearing author on NPR, who has a great voice and clear and engaging explanations and stories. Fascinating! Was excited to learn more. Drove to work, put this on but couldn't concentrate on the content due to the grating narration. A co-worker identified it as vocal fry. Don't understand why this vocal style was chosen. A big miss on this human element. Like another reviewer, not sure I can get through this. Real shame because I think the book likely has a huge amount to offer.

The other reviews are right… painfully bad narrator!

This book has great insights for anyone in the persuasion professions but OH MY GOD, can this guy’s voice be any more monotone and annoying???? I am trying to get through this because the content is intriguing and valuable to me as a solar consultant. I should have bought the physical book.

Great examples

I thoroughly enjoyed reading *The Human Element*. The numerous examples and use cases provided to explain the concept from beginning to end were both engaging and enlightening. The book made me reflect deeply on the importance of reducing friction to create space for innovation. A good read for anyone interested in driving change.

Awful voice, good content

Good content but awful narration voice - so much vocal fry. So annoying that considering returning it and buying the book ...

Very well done

The human element is a great read. I loved the key message and loved the stories contained in the book even more. Highly recommended!

Insightful viewpoints that can be used in anyone’s life

The content of this book was thought provoking enough that I replayed sections and in the end it inspired me to buy a few hard copies for friends. That being said, it’s not the end that was inspiring as I honestly expected more closure but overall I found it moving. My friends who receive a hard copy will have the benefit of not hearing from the narrator’s voice which I didn’t find relatable. So overall I would say it was a great book, not a long read if you were to do so, but the convenience of Audible is nice.

Lessons on Leadership

Excellent narrative and very up-to-date business case studies. The suggested strategies can be used for both business and personal decision making

This reader is awful

This is an amazing book that offers some significant insights into decision making when making changes in people, teams, and organizations. The reader of this book unfortunately is a robot. Every sentence is mind-numbingly dispassionately read. It’s almost monotone, even section titles are read in the same voice. I would encourage readers to get the book.