The Impulse Factor: Why Some of Us Play It Safe and Others Risk It All

Corporate psychologist Tasler draws on years of research and the latest findings in genetics, neurology and management theory to explore the benefits and dangerous consequences of human impulsiveness. At the heart of the author's argument is his pioneering “Impulse Factor Test,” an online assessment that classifies people as “risk managers” or “potential seekers.” According to Tasler, potential seekers are quick to identify new opportunities and are comfortable making important decisions, but their tendency to “shoot first and apologize later” can lead to trouble if not tempered; conversely, risk managers favor careful nurturing of existing opportunities, providing the stability businesses need to survive, but they often miss opportunities for growth because they are inherently cautious. This intriguing and highly readable analysis demonstrates how both groups can enhance their decision making and is enlivened by dramatic stories of innovators from St. Francis to Bill Gates and scientific reports on impulsiveness in different species and in hyperactive children. Tasler's pragmatic advice on leveraging the talents of both the brash and the bashful make this rewarding reading for anyone in the business world. (Oct.)