GRANTED: May 2015 edition

May 2015

Last week, the world lost an extraordinary man. This month's newsletter is in memory of Dave Goldberg.

1. Remembering Dave Goldberg, the Ultimate Mensch
My tribute only scratches the surface of a man whose goodness moved us even more than his greatness.

2. How to Be a Friend in Deed
When a friend is hurting, we often want to help but are unsure of where to start. Instead of offering "anything," Bruce Feiler sagely advises, just do something.

3. How Men Value Independence in Wives—and Daughters
The good news: many men want to raise their daughters to be independent, strong women. The bad news? Jeff Horwitt shows that these aren't the same qualities they value in wives. Dave broke that mold.

4. The Greatest Magic of Harry Potter: Reducing Prejudice
The Harry Potter books were a Goldberg family favorite, and studies show that reading them improves attitudes toward stigmatized groups. This clearly deserves a spell. Literarium reductoprejudae!

5. Wearing a Suit Makes People Think Differently Joe Pinsker shares the results of a recent study showing that wearing a suit makes people perceive the world more broadly and holistically than when they're dressed casually. Disappointingly, Superman and Spider-Man suits were not an experimental condition; consider that a direction for future research. Also not included were the effects of wearing a tie, which Dave despised.
6. Quiet Coaches Get Better Results
One of the hallmarks of Dave's leadership was listening more than talking. Brandon Irwin describes a series of studies in which having a partner improved performance, but only if they didn't try to motivate you. Cheerleaders everywhere: take note.

7. Cancer Survivor Designs the "Empathy Cards" She Wished She'd Received When She Was Sick
These poignant cards are refreshing in their honesty and their humor, reflecting what people actually want to hear when they're ill. Highlights from Emily McDowell include "I'm really sorry I haven't been in touch. I didn't know what to say" and "Let me be the first to punch the next person who tells you everything happens for a reason."

8. The Moral Bucket List
"People on the road to inner light do not find their vocations by asking, what do I want from life? They ask, what is life asking of me?" David Brooks explores how to achieve the rare generosity of spirit and depth of character that Dave Goldberg exemplified.

Thank you for reading. For those who are looking to honor Dave's memory, Sheryl writes that there is no better way than making time for a family dinner, and having everyone share their best and worst of the day. "The family rule is that you have to have a best but a worst is optional."

Adam

Adam Grant, Ph.D.
Wharton professor and author of GIVE AND TAKE