How Will You Measure Your Life?

Clayton M. Christensen · James Allworth · Karen Dillon

May 2012 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

From the world’s leading thinker on innovation and New York Times bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton M. Christensen, comes an unconventional book of inspiration and wisdom for achieving a fulfilling life. Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma, notably the only business book that Apple’s Steve Jobs said “deeply influenced” him, is widely recognized as one of the most significant business books ever published. Now, in the tradition of Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture and Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Christensen’s How Will You Measure Your Life is with a book of lucid observations and penetrating insights designed to help any reader—student or teacher, mid-career professional or retiree, parent or child—forge their own paths to fulfillment.

Ratings and reviews

Admittedly, I'm a big fan of business theory books that help entrepreneurs deconstruct challenges and construct solutions. So it's not surprising that I found a bit of light biz theory applied to family life as useful and action oriented. The sections about (a) deliberate versus emergent strategies and (b) processes versus resources were particularly enlightening.

A thought provoking book that causes you to think about how to be fulfilled and successful in your business career, your personal relationships (with both family and friends) and a person who has values. This sounds easy but you can't do those things without knowing what you want to achieve (a goal when it comes to each thing), have a plan for how to achieve them and a way of measuring if you are achieving them. One of the most important business courses I attended at university required me to really think about what was important to me and, all these years later, I know it was the most important course I took there. This book attempts to get you to do the same thing, very important and valuable in your life.

The most universal writings that speak to all walks of life but only with the altruistic intent of blessing the readers" lives. While it is not judgemental, it does not hold back any punches. DO NOT LET THE Harvard ACADEMIA INTIMIDATE YOU. This book is not to show the authors' brilliance but rather enrich, inform, advise and bless the lives of all of those whom are privileged enough or even discipled (while, admittedly, that is far from a tall order. I challenge you to find who you are, realize your potential both professionally and personally and use How to Measure your life as your bible in all of your efforts to accomplish all that you can be. Respectfully. R. Peter Evans

About the author

CLAYTON M. CHRISTENSEN (1952–2020) was the Kim B. Clark Professor at Harvard Business School, the author of nine books, a five-time recipient of the McKinsey Award for Harvard Business Review’s best article, and the cofounder of four companies, including the innovation consulting firm Innosight. In 2011 and 2013 he was named the world’s most influential business thinker in a biennial ranking conducted by Thinkers50.

A native of Australia, JAMES ALLWORTH is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Scholar, and the Australian National University. He previously worked at Booz & Company and Apple.

KAREN DILLON is the former editor of the Harvard Business Review and coauthor of the New York Times bestseller How Will You Measure Your Life? She is a graduate of Cornell University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. In 2011 she was named by Ashoka as one of the world’s most influential and inspiring women.