Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing

Description

The psychology and science behind our competitive drive by the New York Times number one bestselling author Compete better... In a competitive situation our bodies can experience the same level of stress hormones as jumping out of a plane. Competition is often the key to outstanding achievement. But what is it that makes the difference between rising to the challenge and buckling under pressure? Using groundbreaking studies in diverse scientific fields, Bronson and Merryman demonstrate that understanding how to harness our competitive fire means we can perform our best - whether the contest is sporting, academic or in the workplace. Why are men typically prepared to gamble on long or even stupid odds and women aren't? Why do some less talented students consistently outperform their smarter class mates in crucial exams? Why do higher levels of testosterone actually make you less selfish and more cooperative and cognitively astute? Why do so many market-leading companies cede their top position because they become risk averse at the wrong times? Why do sports teams where the pay differential between players is the greatest win more? The answer to all this and more is in New York Times no.1 bestselling authors Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman's Top Dog-The Science of Winning and Losing 'A great read for those paralyzed by the fear of failure as well as thosewho hunger for success' Huffington Post

Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman have won nine national awards for their reporting on the science of human development, including the PEN USA Award for Literary Journalism and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Award for Outstanding Journalism. Their work has been cited as scientific authority in nearly 30 peer-reviewed journals. Prior to collaborating, Bronson authored five books, including the number one New York Times bestseller What Should I Do With My Life? Merryman's journalism has appeared in The Washington Post, Newsweek, and numerous other venues. Bronson lives in San Francisco, with his wife and two children. Merryman lives in Los Angeles.

Fascinating ... Bronson and Merryman, the award-winning authors of the 2011 bestseller NurtureShock, clearly and cogently explain why, physiologically, some of us are at our best when it counts while others choke. * San Francisco Chronicle * Terrific -- Daniel Coyle, author of * Talent Code * Intriguing * Booklist * Illuminating and entertaining * Kirkus Review * Bronson and Merryman's investigation will have folks rethinking the impulse to win at work and play * Publisher's Weekly *