Upstream

By Dan Heath,

Book cover of Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen

Book description

New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath asks what happens when we take our thinking upstream and try to prevent problems before they happen.

When we shift our energies upstream, we stop dealing with the symptoms of problems and we start fixing problems.

If we can stop crimes from being…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Upstream as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Paraphrasing: A group of picnickers rush to a nearby river to pull struggling kids out. There are more and more kids coming downstream, almost too many for the group. Suddenly, while overwhelmed with too many kids, one takes off. “Where are you going?” “I’m going upstream to tackle the guy who’s throwing all these kids in the water.”

I found the concepts in this work to apply to almost all aspects of life, personal and at work. Who hasn’t had a persistent problem in their life? The problem with many problems is we tend to get so focused or busy…

This eye-opening and informative book provides vivid examples of small problems that became real tragedies due to inaction, miscommunication, and poor decision-making. By looking upstream to seek and address root causes of problems, we can save money, improve lives, and increase productivity. I loved the gripping examples Dan Heath used in this book. It was as engaging as reading a novel, yet provided substantial information based on careful research.

From Mary's list on for cultivating creativity.

Want books like Upstream?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Upstream.

Browse books like Upstream

Book cover of Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
Book cover of A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas
Book cover of Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,571

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in decision making, social psychology, and organizational behavior?

Decision Making 88 books