Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

A Perfect Mess

Audiobook
Ever since Einstein’s study of Brownian motion, scientists have understood that a little disorder can actually make systems more effective. But most people still shun disorder–or suffer guilt over the mess they can’t avoid. No longer!
With a spectacular array of true stories and case studies of the hidden benefits of mess, A PERFECT MESS overturns the accepted wisdom that tight schedules, organization, neatness, and consistency are the keys to success. Drawing on examples from business, parenting, cooking, the war on terrorism, retail, and even the meteoric career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, coauthors Abrahamson and Freedman demonstrate that moderately messy systems use resources more efficiently, yield better solutions, and are harder to break than neat ones.
Applying this idea on scales both large (government, society) and small (desktops, garages), A PERFECT MESS uncovers all the ways messiness can trump neatness, and will help you assess the right amount of disorder for any system. Whether it’s your company’s management plan or your hallway closet that bedevils you, this book will show you why to say yes to mess.

Expand title description text
Publisher: Books on Tape Edition: Unabridged

OverDrive Listen audiobook

  • ISBN: 9781415936832
  • File size: 309263 KB
  • Release date: January 9, 2007
  • Duration: 10:44:17

MP3 audiobook

  • ISBN: 9781415936832
  • File size: 309292 KB
  • Release date: January 9, 2007
  • Duration: 10:52:10
  • Number of parts: 13

Loading
Loading

Formats

OverDrive Listen audiobook
MP3 audiobook

Languages

English

Ever since Einstein’s study of Brownian motion, scientists have understood that a little disorder can actually make systems more effective. But most people still shun disorder–or suffer guilt over the mess they can’t avoid. No longer!
With a spectacular array of true stories and case studies of the hidden benefits of mess, A PERFECT MESS overturns the accepted wisdom that tight schedules, organization, neatness, and consistency are the keys to success. Drawing on examples from business, parenting, cooking, the war on terrorism, retail, and even the meteoric career of Arnold Schwarzenegger, coauthors Abrahamson and Freedman demonstrate that moderately messy systems use resources more efficiently, yield better solutions, and are harder to break than neat ones.
Applying this idea on scales both large (government, society) and small (desktops, garages), A PERFECT MESS uncovers all the ways messiness can trump neatness, and will help you assess the right amount of disorder for any system. Whether it’s your company’s management plan or your hallway closet that bedevils you, this book will show you why to say yes to mess.

Expand title description text