Storytelling hits the brain differently than academic information. I think this book sticks with people longer because they can see themselves in the situation, and feel the frustration of the hero for themselves. Not only did the book teach me about optimizing and improving operations, as a young female manager with children in a primarily male field, it was the first admission I’d seen that business was personal. The responsibilities and frustrations that you have at work will affect and distract from your personal relationships. It increased my ability to manage with care. Literature increases empathy. I’ve always wished for more fictional business books like The Goal. I believe we would have much better managers if we included the personal impacts in a way people would understand.