In Your Brain at Work, David Rock takes readers inside the heads—literally—of a modern two-career couple as they mentally process their workday. This fascinating book uses their story to reveal, through grounded brain science, how we can better organize, prioritize, and process our daily lives for improved productivity. Rock, the author of Quiet Leadership and Personal Best, shows how it’s possible for this couple, and thus the reader, not only to survive in today’s overwhelming work environment but succeed in it—and still feel energized and accomplished at the end of the day.

This guide to peak mental performance translates complex neuroscience into practical strategies for your workday:

• Overcoming Distraction: Learn why your brain is so easily distracted and discover concrete methods to regain control of your attention, manage your morning email overwhelm, and finally get things done.


• Working Smarter: Understand the biological limits of your brain’s performance and find out how to prioritize, sequence tasks, and make better decisions all day long.


• Emotional Regulation: Find out why you get derailed by drama and uncertainty, and apply simple, brain-based techniques to stay cool under pressure and keep your emotions from hijacking your day.


• Effective Collaboration: Discover the surprising science behind turning enemies into friends, navigating fairness, and managing social dynamics to influence others and transform how your team works together.