Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

Charles Duhigg is a journalist, nonfiction author, and Pulitzer Prize winner, best known for his books The Power of Habit (2012), and Smarter Faster Better (2016). Born in 1974 in New Mexico, Duhigg graduated from Yale University and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Duhigg’s career as a journalist began when he joined The New York Times in 2006. During his tenure, he covered a wide range of topics. However, it was his series of articles on the business practices of Apple and other technology companies that catapulted him to national prominence. These articles won Duhigg the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 2013. This recognition solidified his reputation as a journalist who could tackle complex subjects and make them accessible to a broad audience.

This interest in human behavior led Duhigg to write his first book, The Power of Habit, which became a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages. The book draws on research in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics to explain how habits are formed and how they can be changed. Duhigg argues that by understanding the mechanics of habit formation, individuals and organizations can harness this knowledge to create positive change, from improving personal health and productivity to transforming corporate culture. The book’s success established Duhigg as a leading voice in the field of behavioral science and cemented his reputation as an author who could translate complex ideas into narratives for a general audience.

Duhigg’s second book, Smarter Faster Better, delves into the science of productivity. Like The Power of Habit, it explores the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics. The book explores how individuals and teams can work more efficiently and effectively by understanding the principles that underlie success. Duhigg argues that productivity is not simply a matter of working harder or longer hours, but rather a function of how one directs one’s attention, sets goals, and makes decisions. Through a series of case studies and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how seemingly small changes in one’s habits and routines can have a profound impact on one’s ability to achieve one’s objectives. The book’s insights have been widely praised by business leaders and productivity experts, further establishing Duhigg as a thought leader in the field.

In his latest book, Supercommunicators, Duhigg turns his attention to the art and science of effective communication. The book’s genesis lies in Duhigg’s personal experiences and his realization that, despite a successful career as a communicator, he often struggled to connect with others in his personal life. This realization was brought into sharp focus when, as a young manager, he found himself unable to effectively lead and motivate his team. Duhigg recognized that his communication skills, while sufficient for conveying information, were inadequate when it came to building trust, fostering collaboration, and resolving conflicts. This led him to embark on a journey of self-reflection and research, seeking to understand the key elements of successful communication and how they can be applied to improve relationships and foster deeper connections. The book serves as part of Duhigg’s ongoing exploration of the factors that shape people’s lives and the ways in which they can harness this knowledge to create positive change.