The Chimp Paradox by Prof. Roger Peters
I read this book to give me a better understanding of my own mind and thinking. It gave me an insight into how my brain is structured in simple terms and how I am programmed to react to different situations.
It is an interesting read as it provokes thoughts about how you can manage your own chimp and that of others… As a teacher, this is very useful and worth a read, especially if you are dealing with secondary students.
How will this inform my teaching?
The book has helped me to remain calm in confrontational situations, to diffuse situations and prevent them from spiralling out of control.
I have reflected on my language in the classroom to encourage my students to desire to be part of my troupe.
How has this affected my management?
The Chimp Paradox has allowed me to remain calm and listen to other staff members. Quite often they may be airing their frustrations with me and previously I may have taken this quite personally. I am now able to listen through the anger to identify the cause of their frustration so that I am able to (hopefully) provide a solution. In some cases, the solution begins with adjusting the mindset of the staff member.
Would I recommend this book?
Simple answer: Yes, definitely
Longer answer: Yes, especially if psychology is a daunting subject. Prof Steve Rogers explains neuroscience in an easy to understand manner with visual concepts. This means that complex ideas about memories and links between neural pathways in the brain are conveyed in a simple and easy to understand context.
I’d be interested to know in the comments if you have read the book and if you agree.
Thank you for reading.