The Voltage Effect

About the Author

John A. List is a prominent Behavioral Economics professor and co-author of the international bestseller "The Why Axis." With an extensive career spanning over 30 years, John has dedicated himself to understanding the hidden motivations behind human decisions. His hands-on approach has led him to collaborate with leading companies such as Uber, Lyft, Virgin Airlines, and even work within the White House. His fieldwork has provided him with unique insights into making good ideas great and scaling them effectively, making him a trusted authority in the realm of behavioral economics and business strategy.

Main Idea

"The Voltage Effect: How to Make Good Ideas Great and Great Ideas Scale" explores the science behind scaling successful ideas. John A. List shares his comprehensive knowledge on evaluating whether an idea, program, or business will thrive when scaled. He identifies five vital signs of scalability and presents four proven techniques to ensure sustained success at scale. Through a blend of personal experiences and cutting-edge research, List provides actionable advice for anyone seeking to scale their ideas successfully, from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Science of Scaling
2. Five Vital Signs of Scalability
3. False Positives and Their Impact
4. Spillovers and Incentives
5. Scaling Culture: Diversity and Recruitment
6. Techniques for Sustainable High-Voltage Scaling
7. Conclusion: Making Ideas Great at Scale

Introduction: The Science of Scaling

In the introduction, John A. List sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of understanding whether a business or idea will perform well at scale. He shares his journey, illustrating how his experiences have shaped his understanding of scalability. The introduction provides a compelling overview of what to expect in the book and highlights the critical role scaling plays in today's business landscape.

Five Vital Signs of Scalability

List outlines five critical indicators that determine whether an idea is scalable: