The tipping point: how little things can make a difference
by Malcolm Gladwell
Ever wondered why some novels become overnight success stories? Or why previously despised products suddenly become cool? And what does the phrase ‘six degrees of separation’ really mean anyway? The man with the answers is Malcolm Gladwell and central to his theories is the concept of the ‘tipping point’.
According to Gladwell, products, ideas and behaviors spread like viruses causing epidemics, and the success or failure of these epidemics, hinges on the tipping point. The tipping point can ‘tipped’ by individuals, the strength of the message and timing or context.
Gladwell looks at a series of varied incidents and events including the unexpected rebirth of Hush Puppies as cool shoes, the dramatic fall of New York’s crime rates and most baffling of all the success of the so called sleeper novel Divine secrets of the Ya- Ya sisterhood.
The tipping point for this book is the ease in which Gladwell shapes his subject and presents an interesting and easily accessible insight into the technicalities of social science. The idea that knowing where to apply the appropriate leverage can influence the seemingly inflexible world has huge implications for commerce, politics, health, education and justice. It also provides answers for why as individuals we respond to trends and how everyone by their actions can potentially make a big difference to the wider community.
If you are a pastor, leader, teacher, or even if you just want to see what it takes to push something into epidemic proportions, this book will be a great inspiration and valuable tool to you.
Do yourself a favor, and pick up this book now.
