Ramanna provides a model for responding to and preventing incidents of outrage. He lays out steps, phases, scripts that can guide a leader or anyone trying to effect civil discourse and change. Providing examples in national governments around the globe, corporations, historical incidents and literature, the author illustrates how his methodology eases the outrage. While his book is hopeful, his Coda does delineate how much work is still needed in the 2020’s.

As many who have experienced resistance to policies or decisions, mutual trust is key and foundational. His scripts can help move opposing parties closer to understanding each other and agreement if both parties are operating in good faith and without ulterior motives. If leaders of an organization or “rebel group” are operating out of self-interest—narcissists, and other toxic leaders who are motivated by short-term monetary or reputation gain rather than the organization’s/nation’s—this methodology may not work. Scorched earth/salted fields types of outcomes may be the goal of such leaders operating in win-lose attitude: if I can’t win, no one is going to win.

For those who need a glimpse of a future hope, Ramanna’s book can be a methodology for those who might have to respond to outrage in their position.

This book reveals the underlying causes of universal outrage based on behavioral theories, and examines the issues and outcomes of this phenomenon. Personally, I feel that reading and understanding things through this book is not only crucial for resolving conflicts but also for building empathy, helping us make sense of the widespread anger.

It covers the context and motivations behind the outrage, guiding readers through formulating effective responses to crises. While the book uses technical terms that might be challenging for those without a background in the field--like me--it balances this with practical and real-life examples, ensuring that the key concepts are accessible to broad audience. In addition, I appreciate the visual charts that help illustrate its arguments, making it easier to understand the systematic issues that occur globally.

A book containing many useful lessons of leadership that went well and not so well. The theory underpinning the book was familiar leadership and negotiation. A note to the publisher that the print was quite pale and hard to read. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.