During her multibook investigation into human nature, Gretchen Rubin realized that by asking the suspiciously simple question “How do I respond to expectations?” we gain explosive self-knowledge.

She discovered that people fit into Four Tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Our Tendency shapes every aspect of our behavior, so understanding this framework lets us make better decisions, meet deadlines, suffer less stress and burnout, and engage more effectively.

Almost a million people have taken her online quiz, and managers, doctors, teachers, spouses, and parents already use the framework to help others make lasting change. Just as important, people use it to understand themselves and to create the lives they want.

The Four Tendencies holds practical answers if you've ever wondered . . .

• People can rely on me, so why can't I rely on myself?
• Why do people tell me that I ask too many questions?
• How do I work with someone who refuses to do what I ask–or one who keeps telling me what to do?
• How do I stop my teenager from dropping out of school?
• Why can't I convince my patients to take their prescriptions?
• How can my team become more effective, with less wasted time and conflict?

With surprising insights, compelling research, and hilarious examples, The Four Tendencies will help you become happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. It's far easier to succeed when you know what actually works–and why.