The Last 8%: How to Build Courage and Composure for High Performance
Apr 2027 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
Ebook
320
Pages
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Eligible
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infoThis book will become available on April 13, 2027. You will not be charged until it is released.
About this ebook
Based on a landmark seven-year study, a groundbreaking look at why teams hold back when the stakes are high—delivering bold, research-backed tools like stress mastery, fearless feedback, and accountable cultures to ignite trust, unleash daring innovation, and turn hesitation into decisive action every time it matters.
In the demanding world of work, our teams consistently face pivotal, consequential choices. But too often, our teams avoid the hard conversations, delay major decisions, and play it safe when bold moves are needed most. This doesn’t just stall progress—it erodes trust, stifles innovation, and leaves everyone with feelings of regret. Why does this happen? And how can we turn our teams from overly cautious to confident?
In The Last 8%, JP Pawliw and Bill Benjamin, cofounders of the Institute for Health & Human Potential, reveal why our usually high-performing teams tend to stall under pressure. Drawing from their seven-year study of over thirty-four-thousand people published in Harvard Business Review, they reveal that we consistently avoid 8% of the most crucial situations—and provide concrete tools to help leaders and their employees face these moments with clarity. From an executive who almost let a detrimental product decision go unchallenged before turning tension into progress, to NASA teams that nearly missed critical warning signs until they built an environment where astronauts can speak up, Pawliw and Benjamin reveal the cost of reluctance and what becomes possible when we step forward. With actionable strategies for self-regulating under stress, giving feedback that fuels growth, and creating a culture where care and accountability drive connection, risk-taking, and breakthroughs, Pawliw and Benjamin equip leaders with the tactics they need to empower their people to act.
Grounded in original research and tested by Navy SEALs, Fortune 100 CEOs, athletes, and more, The Last 8% is your guide to building a team that thrives every time it counts.
In the demanding world of work, our teams consistently face pivotal, consequential choices. But too often, our teams avoid the hard conversations, delay major decisions, and play it safe when bold moves are needed most. This doesn’t just stall progress—it erodes trust, stifles innovation, and leaves everyone with feelings of regret. Why does this happen? And how can we turn our teams from overly cautious to confident?
In The Last 8%, JP Pawliw and Bill Benjamin, cofounders of the Institute for Health & Human Potential, reveal why our usually high-performing teams tend to stall under pressure. Drawing from their seven-year study of over thirty-four-thousand people published in Harvard Business Review, they reveal that we consistently avoid 8% of the most crucial situations—and provide concrete tools to help leaders and their employees face these moments with clarity. From an executive who almost let a detrimental product decision go unchallenged before turning tension into progress, to NASA teams that nearly missed critical warning signs until they built an environment where astronauts can speak up, Pawliw and Benjamin reveal the cost of reluctance and what becomes possible when we step forward. With actionable strategies for self-regulating under stress, giving feedback that fuels growth, and creating a culture where care and accountability drive connection, risk-taking, and breakthroughs, Pawliw and Benjamin equip leaders with the tactics they need to empower their people to act.
Grounded in original research and tested by Navy SEALs, Fortune 100 CEOs, athletes, and more, The Last 8% is your guide to building a team that thrives every time it counts.
Based on a landmark seven-year study, a groundbreaking look at why teams hold back when the stakes are high—delivering bold, research-backed tools like stress mastery, fearless feedback, and accountable cultures to ignite trust, unleash daring innovation, and turn hesitation into decisive action ...
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About the author
JP Pawliw is a leadership expert who taught at Northwestern’s Kellogg School and coauthored the New York Times bestseller Performing Under Pressure. He cofounded the Institute for Health & Human Potential, leads large-scale research on the “Last 8%,” and works with Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, and Fortune 100 leaders.
Bill Benjamin is a longtime partner at IHHP with a background in mathematics and computer science, known for practical, data-driven leadership work. He speaks widely to high-pressure organizations—from NASA and the US Marines to Goldman Sachs and the Mayo Clinic—on building courageous, high-accountability cultures.
Bill Benjamin is a longtime partner at IHHP with a background in mathematics and computer science, known for practical, data-driven leadership work. He speaks widely to high-pressure organizations—from NASA and the US Marines to Goldman Sachs and the Mayo Clinic—on building courageous, high-accountability cultures.
JP Pawliw is a leadership expert who taught at Northwestern’s Kellogg School and coauthored the New York Times bestseller Performing Under Pressure. He cofounded the Institute for Health & Human Potential, leads large-scale research on the “Last 8%,” and works with Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, a...
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