Be the Unicorn
12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest
MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
by William Vanderbloemen
5/8/20247 min read
Welcome to the book summary “Be the Unicorn - 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest” by William Vanderbloemen, written and narrated by Janky Mind.
Introduction
Imagine a world where being unique is the key to success. "Be the Unicorn" is your secret map to finding that one-of-a-kind sparkle. It's not just about being different; it's about being you, but with a twist of brilliance. This book isn't your ordinary guide; it's a treasure chest of 12 magical habits that make leaders shine brighter than a diamond in a sea of stones.
Now, think of a robot and a person both aiming for the same job. The robot is a whiz at numbers and data, but the person? They bring something special to the table: a touch of humanity, a dash of teamwork, and a sprinkle of heart-to-heart connections. Guess who wins the job? Yep, the person!
In this tech-crazy world, it's the soft skills that crown you king or queen. These are the gems that make you stand out, the secret sauce that turns you into the "Unicorn" that everyone is searching for.
Enter William Vanderbloemen, the Sherlock Holmes of talent. He's met over 30,000 people and found that the rarest ones have 12 soft skills you can actually learn. And here's the kicker: this book is your golden ticket to mastering half of those skills.
So, are you ready to embark on the quest to become a Unicorn? The adventure begins now. Let's turn the page and start your transformation!
Lesson 1: Speed Wins
Here's the deal: success loves speed. Just look at Blake Mycoskie. He's not the kind to wait around; he's behind big hits like EZ Laundry and Toms Shoes because he moves fast. He grabs chances the moment they show up.
Think slow and steady wins the race? Not quite. The real champs are the ones who act swiftly. They don't just peek at chances; they burst through doors. And it's not about reckless yeses. It's about making snappy, smart decisions.
It's natural to be cautious, but too much caution can lead to missed shots. Ever waited for the perfect time that never came? Well, in today's fast-paced world, hesitating is a no-go. Quick thinking equals winning. The folks at Vanderbloemen will tell you: their quickest responders are often their best hires.
Want to get ahead? Cut out the delays. Stay in the know and keep fear at bay. You don't need to be perfect; you just need to be bold. Most decisions can be tweaked later. So, think fast, act faster.
Take the leap, be daring. That's how you win big. That's the Unicorn way. 🚀
Lesson 2: Embrace Change
Meet Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox. She didn't climb the ladder by sticking to a set plan; she soared by seizing opportunities and learning as she went. That's what being adaptable is all about.
Think about the companies during the COVID-19 crisis. The ones that quickly shifted gears, reinvented themselves, or whipped up new services fared way better than those who couldn't let go of the past. It was adapt or get left behind.
But adaptability isn't just for the big picture. It's also about the daily details. Agile teams aren't just parts of a system; they're empowered to challenge the status quo, make processes smoother, and suggest fresh ideas. Plus, a diverse team is a powerhouse of adaptability, bringing a wealth of views to solve problems.
Now, about you. Sure, as time passes, you might feel less nimble. But don't let that hold you back. Keep learning, skill-building, and broadening your horizons. Welcome change instead of fighting it. Don't hold onto your ideas too tightly; be willing to swap them for better ones. Focus on your organization's goals. If something propels you towards those goals, go for it. If not, let it go.
In short, adaptability is crucial, both personally and professionally. In a world that never stops changing, your ability to adjust quickly and effectively is what will define your success. Ready to be adaptable? That's the spirit needed to thrive in this dynamic world.
Lesson 3: Stay One Step Ahead
Picture this: you're in charge of a big meeting and boom, things go off track. Do you freak out? Not if you're like Jeremy H. He was running a Zoom meeting when both guest speakers were no-shows. But Jeremy was ready with a backup topic to keep everyone engaged. No panic, no downtime. That's the magic of being prepared.
Being prepared isn't about seeing the future or having special powers. It's a skill for today's fast world, and you can nail it. Our brains are built to predict what might happen. The best at this, the Anticipators, see a little further ahead, making them super quick to adapt.
Want to be an Anticipator? Learn from the past, spot patterns, and ask "What if?" a lot. This isn't about making long-term plans; it's about being ready for what's next. The best leaders aren't fortune-tellers; they just know what's likely to happen soon.
So, get good at anticipating. It's a skill you can sharpen. And when surprises come, you'll be set to meet them head-on. 🌟
Lesson 4: The Power of Knowing You
Lynsi Snyder, the boss of In-N-Out Burger, knows a thing or two about tough times. But she's got a secret weapon: self-awareness. It's helped her keep In-N-Out rocking the same classic menu since the '40s.
So, what's self-awareness? It's like having an inner GPS that knows your strengths and weaknesses and keeps you cool under pressure. It's not just about personal growth; it's about survival. Imagine an ancient hunter choosing to sprint away from a hyena instead of fighting. Smart move, right?
Fast forward to today, and self-awareness is key in the office and life. It helps you climb the ladder, handle feedback like a champ, and be a team player. It's proven that self-aware folks are more creative, happier, and make great leaders.
But it's not just about you. Self-awareness makes teams rock. It means better chats, respect, and a place where everyone's pumped to work.
How do you get there? Start with a slice of humility and a dash of patience. Don't think you've got all the answers. Get feedback, even if it's a bit ouch. Know your limits, then nudge them wider. And play to your strengths while teaming up with others to cover your weak spots.
Mastering self-awareness is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes guts and time. But if you're game, the payoff is huge—for you and everyone around you. 🌟
Lesson 5: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Curiosity isn't just a trait; it's a superpower that can shape your future and ignite brilliant ideas. Take Bill Rosenzweig. He mixed theater, film, and business in college, driven by curiosity. His love for Japanese tea culture brewed into The Republic of Tea, a company that's all about values.
Curiosity is the engine behind big leaps in science, tech, art, and business. It's what led Copernicus to rethink our place in the universe, Fleming to discover penicillin, and Carson to question the impact of pesticides. It's a natural part of you that can lead to amazing things.
Here's a cool fact: when you discover something new, your brain celebrates with dopamine, making you feel awesome and keeping your curiosity alive. It's a cycle that makes you smarter and more connected with others, and it can even chill out your worries.
In the job world, curiosity makes you shine. It shows you're not just there for the paycheck; you're ready to dive deep into the role and the company's vibe. It's about growing and thriving.
But hey, life's busy. Keeping that curiosity spark takes work. Read everything from novels to the news. Embrace not knowing it all. Tackle problems by asking questions and listening to different voices.
In the end, feeding your curiosity is a win-win. It leads to meaningful chats and makes you wiser. So, never underestimate a dash of curiosity; it might just be the thing that changes everything. 🌟
Lesson 6: Make the Right Connections
Think of a world where one key connection can flip your life upside down, opening doors to dreams you never even knew you had.
Take Anne Sullivan's tale. A visually impaired girl in a grim orphanage, her fate changed when she convinced an inspector to send her to the Perkins School for the Blind. She excelled, met Helen Keller, and the rest is history. That's the might of one pivotal connection.
Every big name out there had their moment, their vital link. They spun a web of varied ties, their social net, ready to catch opportunities.
In the old days, high society kept to themselves, making it tough for outsiders to break in. But now, thanks to the internet and sites like LinkedIn, everyone's got a shot at making those connections.
But here's the twist: it's not about hoarding contacts. It's about real, human bonds. When you forge strong ties with your team, work becomes more than a job; it becomes a shared journey.
How do you build these bonds? By getting personal. Take a real interest in others, learn their stories, and create a bond of trust. Use online networks smartly; grow your circle, but also strengthen those ties. And it's not all about taking; it's about giving, too.
Keeping connected takes work. Life tries to pull us apart, but success lies in seeing the worth in each person and investing in those connections. 🌟
Final summary
To stand out as a leader, you need a special toolkit of soft skills. Vanderbloemen pinpoints twelve, but let's zoom in on six: quick action, adaptability, foresight, self-knowledge, curiosity, and networking. Master these, and you're on your way to becoming the kind of Unicorn leader that companies crave – think Blake Mycoskie, Ursula Burns, Lynsi Snyder, and Bill Rosenzweig. These are the adaptable, self-aware visionaries who ride the waves of change.
You've got the map to these skills in your hands. Now it's up to you. Will you sprint into action, embrace new ideas, and open yourself to different viewpoints? The path to growth is yours to take. Step up to the challenge, become the best you can be, and let your inner Unicorn run free!
About the author
William Vanderbloemen brings a wealth of knowledge in leadership and team-building. With a past rooted in ministry and a present in corporate leadership as the founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, he's penned influential books like Search, Next, and Culture Wins, guiding many to find their path to leadership excellence. 🌟