Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Gorilla in the Cockpit, Vip Vyas and Dr. Thomas D. Zweifel describe how project outcomes are influenced primarily by human decisions and behaviors instead of technical or financial factors. They introduce the Project Flight Path model, separating measurable project elements into a White Box and human-centered factors into a Black Box. Vyas and Zweifel talk about how biases and authority frequently distort decision-making and create significant project risks. Leadership and communication are described as central to aligning stakeholders and maintaining effective project execution. The authors speak on interventions that identify assumptions, clarify responsibilities, and improve performance. They note that technology can support monitoring and transparency while human judgment remains essential for achieving objectives, and that projects operate as social systems where conversations, accountability, and integrity determine overall outcomes.

Gorilla in the Cockpit by Vip Vyas and Dr. Thomas D. Zweifel is a transformative guide for anyone involved in, or hoping to be involved in, leading large-scale projects. As the daughter of a pilot, I was naturally drawn to the aviation angle. And who doesn't love a gorilla? Beyond this, I flew blind into the first few pages and learned a whole lot. I like that Vyas and Zweifel talk about stepping back from day-to-day operations, which I admit I have trouble doing, to see hidden patterns and biases that shape decisions. The authors give real-world examples to back up every angle. From the Sydney Opera House to CrossRail and Shell Pearl GTL, they demonstrate how an organization can prevent costly misunderstandings and failures. The writing is metaphor-heavy, which most readers will appreciate, while still straightforward enough to grasp. With practical strategies and concrete examples, Vyas and Zweifel provide a roadmap for leaders to improve performance and build trust across projects. Recommended.