Book Club (North)


Overview:

There are many ways to improve your professional knowledge and skills. One way is to increase your knowledge by reading current and relevant project management books. We've created book clubs that are designed to be small discussion groups led by a facilitator.

It's an informal group meeting for a Saturday morning breakfast and discussion. One person serves as the facilitator to guide and promote discussion. It is an excellent way to meet other chapter members and open a dialogue regarding trends and challenges experienced by those in project management roles.

And, earn PDUs!

Current Book:

2021-01-book.jpg

 

Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets
Fooled by Randomness is a standalone book in Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s landmark Incerto

series, an investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and
decision-making in a world we don’t understand. The other books in the series are The Black
Swan, Antifragile, Skin in the Game, and The Bed of Procrustes.

Fooled by Randomness is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb–veteran trader, renowned risk expert, polymathic scholar, erudite raconteur, and New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan–has written a modern classic that turns on its head what we believe about luck and skill.

This book is about luck–or more precisely, about how we perceive and deal with luck in life and business. Set against the backdrop of the most conspicuous forum in which luck is mistaken for skill–the world of trading–Fooled by Randomness provides captivating insight into one of the least understood factors in all our lives. Writing in an entertaining narrative style, the author tackles major intellectual issues related to the underestimation of the influence of happenstance on our lives.

The book is populated with an array of characters, some of whom have grasped, in their own way, the significance of chance: the baseball legend Yogi Berra; the philosopher of knowledge Karl Popper; the ancient world’s wisest man, Solon; the modern financier George Soros; and the Greek voyager Odysseus. We also meet the fictional Nero, who seems to understand the role of randomness in his professional life but falls victim to his own superstitious foolishness.

However, the most recognizable character of all remains unnamed–the lucky fool who happens to be in the right place at the right time–he embodies the “survival of the least fit.” Such individuals attract devoted followers who believe in their guru’s insights and methods. But no one can replicate what is obtained by chance.

Are we capable of distinguishing the fortunate charlatan from the genuine visionary? Must we always try to uncover nonexistent messages in random events? It may be impossible to guard ourselves against the vagaries of the goddess Fortuna, but after reading Fooled by Randomness we can be a little better prepared.

Location:

la Madeleine French Bakery & Café
900 Highway 114
Grapevine, TX

Cost:

There is no cost to attend this event. Attendees will be responsible for acquiring the book and for covering their food/beverage costs at the restaurant.

Agenda:

Gather at this location, and order your breakfast and coffee. Look for the group in a designated area of the restaurant.
The facilitator will open the session and handle the meeting logistics. Using a book discussion outline, the group will discuss the selected book and upon completion will rate the book. This information is then uploaded to the chapter website.
Other book club business includes:

  • Select future books by popular vote (see webpage for details)
  • Select the meeting facilitator for the next book (volunteer requested)
  • Request a volunteer to write a review for the current book to be posted on the chapter website

Want to learn more? See the Book Club webpage.

PDUs:

You can earn PDUs by simply reading the book. Under the new CCRS guidelines, reading is its own category ("Education - Read"). You can earn up to four (4) PDUs for reading the book selection. You will also earn two (2) "Informal Learning" PDUs for attending the meeting. One volunteer will earn an additional "Giving Back - Volunteering" PDU for writing a book review or (2) PDUs for facilitating the meeting.

The alignment to the Talent Triangle will vary based on the book selection. Please note that "Giving Back" PDUs has a maximum allowed per certification cycle.
Please note: Category limitations may apply.

Talent Triangle:

Leadership

Questions:

If you have questions, please send an e-mail to the book club manager.

It is no longer possible to register for this event

It is no longer possible to register for this event

Information

Type of category: Book Club

Type of activity:

Date: January 9th, 2021

Hour: 8:00AM to 10:00AM

Number of PDUs: 2

Price

Members: Free

Non members: Free

Location

La Madeline (Grapevine)