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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Immunity to Change summary
Robert Kegan
Lisa Laskow Lahey
How to Overcome it and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization
8 mins
Brief summary
Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan & Lisa Laskow Lahey is a thought-provoking book that delves into the reasons why we struggle to change, providing actionable strategies to overcome our resistance and achieve personal transformation.
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Immunity to Change
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Mental complexity in leadership evolution
In today's rapidly changing landscape, the hallmark of exceptional leadership comes down to self-evolution, dedication to fostering growth in others, and the art of crafting resilient, agile teams. This is a crucial shift in perception from the traditional ideas that revolve solely around commanding authority or strategic decision-making. Instead, it's about the continuous journey of growth.
That’s because talent and capability aren't finite resources set in stone; they're dynamic elements, full of potential and waiting to be cultivated. Dispelling the long-held belief that mental progression is limited to childhood, groundbreaking research has unveiled that adults can also journey through transformative leaps in their mental complexity.
In this sense, think of your cognitive development as an adventurous trek across a series of ascending plateaus. Every new elevation offers a unique perspective, a distinct way to decode the world's complexities. In the adult psyche, these developmental elevations predominantly manifest in three overarching stages: the interconnected socialized mind, the independent self-authoring mind, and the peak – the holistic self-transforming mind.
Why should you care about this cognitive trek? Well, put simply, because these aren't just theoretical concepts. Their impact resonates deeply in real-world scenarios, particularly in leadership domains. Leaders who've scaled the lofty heights of the self-transforming mind exhibit markedly superior skills. They navigate challenges with deft problem-solving, forge profound relationships, and empower their teams with an unmistakable finesse.
And as the modern world hurtles toward an era of unprecedented change, expectations are constantly shifting. Gone are the days where blindly following directives sufficed. Today's dynamic setting seeks leaders illuminated by the foresight of a self-transforming mind, and envisions teams operating with the assertiveness characteristic of a self-authoring mindset.
But a stark challenge remains. A significant portion of adults haven't even ascended to the vistas of the self-authoring mind, let alone basked in the panoramic views from the self-transforming pinnacle. This scenario sketches a dichotomy between the demands of the contemporary era and the mental complexity levels that have yet to be realized.
Facing this mismatch, there’s an obvious question: Is it possible to fast-track our climb through these levels of mental complexity? In other words, can this widening rift be bridged?
Decades of intensive research and exploration indicate that the solution to this predicament may be closer than we imagine. In the next section, let’s look at some of the key concepts at play here.
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What is Immunity to Change about?
Immunity to Change (2009) delves into the intricacies of human cognitive development – emphasizing that mental growth doesn't end in childhood, but instead continues throughout adulthood. It shows how understanding these adulthood developmental stages can be pivotal for effective leadership, and presents tools to confront and overcome the inherent resistances to change.
Immunity to Change Review
Immunity to Change (2009) explores a groundbreaking approach to personal transformation by renowned psychologists Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides a fresh perspective on personal growth, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a new framework for understanding the barriers that prevent us from changing.
- The authors present a practical methodology for uncovering our hidden beliefs and assumptions that keep us stuck, empowering readers to break free from self-imposed limitations.
- With compelling case studies and real-life examples, the book offers a tangible roadmap for overcoming resistance to change and achieving meaningful personal and professional transformation.
Who should read Immunity to Change?
- Professionals aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities
- Educators striving to foster advanced developmental thinking in students
- Individuals dedicated to continuous personal growth
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Immunity to Change FAQs
What is the main message of Immunity to Change?
The main message of Immunity to Change is that deep-rooted beliefs and assumptions can prevent personal and organizational growth.
How long does it take to read Immunity to Change?
The reading time for Immunity to Change varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Immunity to Change a good book? Is it worth reading?
Immunity to Change is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on how to uncover and overcome hidden barriers that limit personal and professional development.
Who is the author of Immunity to Change?
The authors of Immunity to Change are Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey.
What to read after Immunity to Change?
If you're wondering what to read next after Immunity to Change, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Becoming Myself by Irvin D. Yalom
- When McKinsey Comes to Town by Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Change by Design by Tim Brown
- Leadership on the Line by Ronald A. Heifetz & Marty Linsky
- The Fifth Discipline by Peter M. Senge