<p>How many chapters are in Be the Unicorn?</p>

<p>Be the Unicorn has 12 chapters. </p><ol><li><div>Chapter 1: Embracing Your Uniqueness</div></li><li><div>Chapter 2: Standing Out in a Crowd</div></li><li><div>Chapter 3: Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity</div></li><li><div>Chapter 4: Keeping Your Vision Alive</div></li><li><div>Chapter 5: Navigating Change and Uncertainty</div></li><li><div>Chapter 6: Building Strong Relationships</div></li><li><div>Chapter 7: Cultivating a Growth Mindset</div></li><li><div>Chapter 8: Embracing Challenge and Overcoming Obstacles</div></li><li><div>Chapter 9: Leading with Authenticity</div></li><li><div>Chapter 10: Making a Positive Impact</div></li><li><div>Chapter 11: Inspiring Others to Be Unicorns</div></li><li><div>Chapter 12: Sustaining Your Unicorn Reputation</div></li></ol>

<p>How many pages are in Be the Unicorn?</p>

<p>Be the Unicorn contains 280 pages.</p>

<p>When was Be the Unicorn published?</p>

<p>Be the Unicorn was published in 2021.</p>

Personal Development

Be the Unicorn Book Summary - Be the Unicorn Book explained in key points

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Be the Unicorn summary

Name: Be the Unicorn
Rating: 4.2 (423 reviews)
Author: William Vanderbloemen

William Vanderbloemen

12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest

4.2 (423 ratings)

18 mins

Brief summary

Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen guides us on how to transform ourselves into exceptional leaders. The book offers practical strategies to stand out in any organization by fostering creativity, authenticity, and resilience.

Topics

Effectiveness Routines & Habits Leadership Self-Help Career Progress Goals

Table of Contents

Be the Unicorn
Summary of 6 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Unleash your inner unicorn.

Picture this: A robot and a human walk into a job interview. The robot, with its impeccable programming, flawlessly calculates complex algorithms and data in mere seconds. The human, on the other hand, shares experiences of teamwork, understanding, and genuine connections made over coffee chats and shared projects. By the end of the interview, it’s the human who receives the handshake and the job offer.

Even in a world where technology is king, the real rulers are those with top-notch soft skills. These skills are your ticket to standing out in a crowded and diverse workforce. These are the skills that make you the rare “Unicorn” everyone seeks.

William Vanderbloemen, a talent-spotting guru, has been on the hunt for these Unicorns throughout his career. He's interviewed over 30,000 candidates and identified a set of twelve teachable soft skills possessed by the rarest of them.

And that’s the great part – with this Blink as your guide, these exceptional skills are within your grasp. You’ll unpack six of the twelve pivotal skills that will help you become one of those standout, magnetic individuals everyone admires.

So the question now is, do you want to be a Unicorn? Your journey starts here.

Be quick

Let’s get real: you’re not going to get anywhere by playing it safe and taking your sweet time. Take it from Blake Mycoskie, a guy who doesn’t just sit around waiting for the stars to align. He’s the mastermind behind EZ Laundry, Mycoskie Media, and Toms Shoes, and he doesn’t waste time. He’s the kind of person who jumps at opportunities, not someone who’s content just lounging around on past successes.

You might think being cautious is smart, but the real winners in this game are those who act fast. They don’t just glance at opportunities; they charge right through the door. But don’t get it twisted – their speed isn’t about saying yes to everything on impulse. It’s about the ability to make quick, decisive calls, whether that means jumping on board or turning things down. They understand that slow means lost revenue and missed opportunities, and that’s what puts them miles ahead.

But not everyone’s born ready to sprint into action. Your brain is wired to be wary, to dodge risks, and that often means you’re stuck overthinking instead of acting. You’ve probably been there – waiting for that "perfect" moment that never comes.

But here’s the kicker: in today’s world, dawdling just doesn’t cut it. Data doesn’t lie – speed is key. Quick responses lead to success. Just ask the folks at Vanderbloemen Search Group; they’ll tell you their fastest-responding job candidates often turn out to be their star employees.

If you’re serious about getting ahead, it’s time to ditch two major speed bumps: not being in the loop and being paralyzed by fear. First, stay connected. Make sure you’re reachable through at least one channel and set up auto-responders when you’re off the grid. You need to find that sweet spot of being connected but not overwhelmed.

Now, let’s talk fear. Stop chasing perfection. Ask yourself: does every response you make need to be flawless? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Most choices aren’t life-altering, and can be changed if needed. Act with confidence, not doubt. Quick decisions lead to swift action.

Remember, there are risks to moving fast, but the bold reap the rewards. Don’t just tiptoe around; dive in headfirst. That’s the Unicorn way.

Be adaptable

Ever heard of Ursula Burns? She rose to become the CEO of Xerox – not by following a meticulously laid-out career path, but by being open to opportunities and learning on the fly. That’s career agility right there.

Now, consider this on a bigger scale: companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those businesses that quickly changed their operations, pivoted their models, or cooked up new services did a lot better than the ones stuck in the past. It was a matter of adapt or falter.

Anticipate the future

Imagine you’re leading a crucial meeting and suddenly, things go sideways. What do you do? Panic? Jeremy H. thinks differently. He found himself at the helm of a Zoom board meeting when an unexpected snag occurred: both guest speakers were late. But Jeremy, thanks to his foresight and mental readiness for such scenarios, had a plan B up his sleeve – an additional discussion topic. This topic, while not the main event, was engaging enough to keep the board members productively occupied. His clever move provided the much-needed buffer until the speakers made their appearance, without any panic or wasted time. That’s a testament to the power of anticipation.

Anticipation is not about predicting the distant future or having psychic abilities. It’s a practical skill, crucial in this rapidly evolving world – and guess what? You can master it. Our brains are naturally attuned to foresee outcomes. However, some people – let’s think of them as the Anticipators – are a step ahead. They can see just a bit farther down the road, making them invaluable in responding to changes swiftly and effectively.

Know yourself

Lynsi Snyder is the billionaire who heads the iconic west-coast burger chain In-N-Out. With a life marked by kidnapping attempts and family tragedies, Snyder harnessed a powerful tool for survival and success: self-awareness. Her keen understanding of her strengths and limitations has not only helped her personally, but also kept In-N-Out true to its roots, evident in its virtually unchanged menu since 1948.

You might wonder, what exactly is self-awareness? It’s essentially knowing your capabilities, recognizing your limitations, and being mindful of what sets you off. It’s more than just a personal skill; it’s a survival tactic. Think of an ancient hunter who chooses to run instead of foolishly battling a hyena. This self-aware decision to flee rather than fight is an evolutionary advantage to avoid danger.

Foster curiosity

Let’s take a moment and think about curiosity, shall we? You might not realize it, but this simple, often overlooked trait can be your secret weapon, shaping your career and even sparking innovative business ideas.

Take Bill Rosenzweig’s story, for instance. He was a guy who dabbled in theater, film, and business during his college years, driven by a desire to understand how certain experiences could alter people’s perceptions and beliefs. His fascination with how things work, particularly his enchantment with Japanese tea culture, wasn’t just a passing phase. It made him fall head over heels for tea and led to a burning question: Why wasn’t there a better tea company out there? This sparked the creation of The Republic of Tea, a successful, values-driven enterprise.

Network and connect

Imagine yourself in a world where the right connection can turn your life around, much like a key unlocking a door to opportunities you never dreamed of.

Remember the story of Anne Sullivan? She was a young girl with poor eyesight, trapped in a harsh orphanage. Her life takes an incredible turn when an inspector walks in. Anne, seizing her moment, pleads to be sent to the Perkins School for the Blind. And it worked. She got in, soared to the top of her class, and eventually met Helen Keller. That’s the power of a single connection, changing not just one, but two lives forever.

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What is Be the Unicorn about?

Be the Unicorn (2023) offers a comprehensive guide to achieving personal and professional success by detailing 12 key habits that distinguish exceptional leaders in today’s competitive world. It emphasizes the importance of developing these habits to stand out, become irreplaceable, and excel in various work environments, particularly in the context of a rapidly evolving job landscape influenced by AI technology.

Be the Unicorn Review

Be the Unicorn (2020) by William Vanderbloemen is a book that explores how to stand out and make a meaningful impact in today's crowded world. Here's why this book is worth reading:

Offers practical strategies and actionable advice to help individuals find their unique voice and purpose, helping them become the best version of themselves.
Combines inspiring stories, real-life examples, and insightful interviews to provide readers with a fresh perspective on how to create a lasting impression.
With its engaging tone and relatable content, the book ensures that the journey towards authenticity is both interesting and enjoyable.

Who should read Be the Unicorn?

Aspiring leaders seeking success and personal growth
Professionals adapting to a competitive, evolving work environment
Those interested in soft skills development and leadership excellence

About the Author

William Vanderbloemen is an accomplished author known for his expertise in leadership and organizational development. He has a rich background in ministry, having served as a senior pastor, and later transitioned into a corporate career where he founded Vanderbloemen Search Group. His notable works include Search, Next, and Culture Wins.

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