After the Indelible

The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impactby Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Impact Hardcover, October 3, 2017

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Independent schools are often distinguished from other school types by their strong cultures, marked by traditions, rituals, and ceremonies. In The Power of Moments, the authors, brothers who are professors at business schools, aim to change corporate culture to include such practices as a way to enhance business outcomes. Although educators are not their intended audience, the Heath brothers offer recommendations, often backed by studies in social psychology, that could help schools to assess established cultural practices. Their focus is on studying the commonalities of "defining moments," described as short, crystallizing experiences that are both memorable and meaningful in shaping behavior. In analyzing the commonalities of defining moments, the authors uncover four characteristics that include elevation, insight, pride, and connection, and while all four do not have to be present in every gathering or experience, each of these characteristics can contribute to impact. Additionally, such "moments" can be of varying duration – a year, a month, or even a moment – but their effect may be indelible. The book is both thought-provoking and entertaining, a departure from readings about education, and it could make for a good summer read.