Tricky Times

Navigating the Messy Middle of Change

In this book, you’ll explore the fascinating dynamics of major change. Jitske Kramer unpacks how people respond to profound transformation, drawing on anthropology and insights from cultures around the world. And she offers hope. We may feel disoriented, but we are not beyond finding our way. We’ve moved through turbulent transitions before. We can do this.

Release date:

28-03-2024

Language:

Dutch & English

Number of pages:

416

Costs:

€27,50

Critical acclaim

'A sharp, highly relevant book for our times, about that in between moment as we move toward a new way of living.'

Herman Wijffels

Former president of the Social and Economic Council and professor of Sustainability and Social Change

'If you read one book this year: let it be Tricky Times by Jitske Kramer. Rich, instructive, confrontational, amusing, multifaceted, sharp, insightful, wise and thought-provoking. Big changes are coming. Be prepared.'

Ronald Giphart

Writer

‘Jitske Kramer not only describes contemporary cultural changes influenced by tricksters and false prophets, but she also gives good advice on how to deal with them. In times of far-reaching uncertainty, one thing is certain: this is the book we need.’

Robert Cialdini

International bestselling author of Influence and Pre-suasion, among others

‘Everything you hope for from a new non-fiction book. Well-written, new insights and concepts. Jitske Kramer shows in this book that there is a hopeful answer to chaos and crisis.’

Daan Roovers

Philosopher, Upper House member on behalf of GroenLinks- PvdA and former Thinker of the Fatherland

‘In a world where your adaptability is paramount, Jitske Kramer's insights offer a valuable compass for anyone seeking to lead in the complexity of transformation.’

Erin Meyer

New York Times bestselling author of No Rules and The Culture Map

‘Jitske Kramer, yet another elitist virtue-crazed, bullshit-job-hungry and highly educated in hot air, who feels morally and intellectually far above the rabble.’

Someone on X

'Jitske Kramer is the foremost thinker you've never heard of. Tricky Times is her breakthrough.’

Joris Luyendijk

Anthropologist. Author of, among others, This Can't Be True and The Seven Winks

‘Tricky Times enthuses, confronts, provokes, inspires and prompts thought, a lot of thought. Jitske Kramer makes you look afresh at the patterns and dynamics of major changes and current themes. ’Highly recommended.'

Prof Elke Geraerts

Neuropsychologist, best-selling author of Mental Capital and CEO of Better Minds at Work

‘Jitske Kramer offers a very original, challenging and practical take on change. Tricky Times has the power to transform you and your organisation. Guaranteed to be an enthusiastic read!’

Stuart Crainer and Des Dearlove

Founders of Thinkers50, ‘the Oscars of management thinking’ (Financial Times)

‘Anyone who wants to understand our tricky times should read Jitske Kramer!’

Thijs Launspach

Psychologist, bestselling author of Fokking pressure and Asocial media, among others

Text Jury

Management book of the year

Lost but not forsaken. It’s the first chapter title in Jitske Kramer’s hopeful exploration of today’s world. We are in a wide open in between, where so called tricksters have become charismatic leaders on the world stage. Tricky Times weaves together mythology, personal experience, and history, offering comfort amid confusion and practical ways to help shape a better world.

After six chapters of intriguing journeys, sharp observations, and thoughtful reflections, the reader reaches the road toward solutions. Chapter seven is essential reading for anyone who believes they are part of cultural change. Whether that change involves society as a whole or your own organisation does not really matter. The insights are grounded and practical, offering direction, reassurance, and concrete steps. Starting with step one: admit you are disoriented.

The jury was impressed by the author’s ability to present a complex story in a lucid, readable style. At a time when many are searching for direction, this book provides exactly the course we need in finding our way again.

Tricky Times AI book

The world of AI is evolving at lightning speed, and we are exploring along with it! Engage with the book through this new AI tool. A first experience for us, too. (We'd love to hear how you experience it - will you leave a review?)

Discover a revolutionary way to get you through uncertain times with ‘Tricky Times: the AI Book’. This interactive platform brings Jitske Kramer's deep knowledge and anthropological insights directly to you, giving you personalised answers to your most pressing questions about leadership, change and group dynamics. Whether you are struggling with personal transformations or professional challenges, the Tricky Times AI book offers practical tools and inspiring insights tailored to your unique situation. Don't let the complexities of modern times fool you; let Tricky Times be your guide.

Cost: one-off €12.90

What is an AI book?

An AI book is not a book written by AI but a book enriched with AI. It makes the content of a book interactive via WhatsApp, so you can chat with it. Think of it as a wildly smart assistant that understands the book perfectly and has memorised everything from it. You can ask this assistant anything. For example, ask how to apply something to your personal situation, for a short summary, or what the key insights are. AI books can only be used via WhatsApp, you don't need to install a separate app for it.

Tricky Terms

Tricky Times explores the opportunities, risks, and temptations that arise in the in between phase of change.. Central to the book are the concepts of liminality, tricksters of all genders, and the notion that we are culturally adrift. Since these terms may be unfamiliar, we offer a more detailed explanation of each below.

Culturally lost

If you look through an anthropological lens at seemingly unconnected incidents, protests and escalations in society (or your organisation), you will see that they are part of a larger coherent whole. Cultures always have their own internal logic. When major changes occur, it is not one small area that changes, but the coherence and whole logic of the cultural story is challenged.

The Trickster

The trickster archetype has everything to do with the rebellion against established norms and social conventions. Scientific reports that offer a different light on reality challenge different conclusions and new policies.

Liminality

During major changes, we have to say goodbye to what we know, while much is still unclear. We are in a transition phase in many areas: a confusing in-between period when things are no longer as they were, but also not yet how they should or will be. Anthropologists call this interim period liminality, a crucial phase for achieving transformation.