Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Adaptation Advantage summary
Heather E. McGowan
Chris Shipley
Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of Work
18 mins
Brief summary
In 'The Adaptation Advantage', Heather E. McGowan and Chris Shipley argue that our rapidly changing world requires us to constantly adapt and evolve. They provide tools and examples to help us stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the new economy.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Adaptation Advantage
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
Things are changing fast at the moment – and you’re already adapting.
Not to freak you out or anything, but if you think things are changing fast now . . . just you wait!
The rate of change is increasing exponentially. Which means that right now is actually the slowest rate of change you’ll ever experience.
Here’s just one example of the huge-scale changes that are underway.
When you think of the biggest populations on Earth, you probably think of China and India. But what about social media populations?
There are 2.2 billion Facebook users, compared to China’s 1.34 billion people. And 1.9 billion YouTubers, compared to 1.23 billion Indians.
WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also beat India when it comes to population size. And these are communities that have sprung up over just a few decades.
And there are other changes too. Demographically, huge shifts are taking place in the Western world in terms of race, religion, gender identity, aging populations. While attitudes towards issues like racism and sexual harassment have changed almost overnight. So it’s hard to imagine where exactly we’ll be in a decade’s time.
And when it comes to changes in the workplace, there’s, of course, the impact of technology, but that’s been going on for a while now. Computers have been changing the workplace for decades. So have smart digital assistants – like PalmPilot which launched wayback in 1996.
And there’s a good reason for this change: machines are genuinely better than humans at routine and well-defined tasks. That is just a fact.
But this doesn’t mean we’re about to lose our jobs to robots, in fact, we might say the opposite is true. Think about all the ways that technology already helps you in your work. Most of us use phones or laptops daily, we stay connected with people all over the world. You might use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to outsource work, platforms that help you break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable units – also known as the atomization of work.
Meanwhile, tech is also behind the automation of many work processes, from batch-sending emails to automatically updating calendars. We use tech in some cases to enhance human capabilities, a concept called augmentation. Just think of surgical robots helping doctors in ER – or of GPS systems allowing drivers to navigate their city quickly.
So, yes – tech is rapidly changing the workplace. But we are accommodating it. And it’s helping us. Thanks to these three A’s - atomization, automation and augmentation - tech is far from stealing our jobs, it’s actually giving us back precious moments which we can re-invest in ourselves; from learning new skills to re-prioritizing romantic relationships.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Adaptation Advantage?
Key ideas in The Adaptation Advantage
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Adaptation Advantage about?
The Adaptation Advantage (2020) explores how to navigate the future of work – without worrying about the robots taking over. It provides actionable insights on how to tap into uniquely human attributes like adaptation to excel.
The Adaptation Advantage Review
The Adaptation Advantage (2021) explores the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world and highlights how individuals and organizations can thrive by embracing change. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- With insightful analysis and case studies, it sheds light on how adaptability can lead to long-term success and competitive advantage.
- The authors provide practical strategies and frameworks that can help readers develop their adaptability skills, making the book actionable and relevant.
- Through compelling storytelling and thought-provoking examples, the book keeps readers engaged and challenges them to reconsider their approach to change.
Who should read The Adaptation Advantage?
- Workers worried about the rise of the machines
- Managers and business owners seeking new perspectives
- Futurologists fascinated by what’s coming next
Categories with The Adaptation Advantage
Book summaries like The Adaptation Advantage
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Adaptation Advantage FAQs
What is the main message of The Adaptation Advantage?
The main message of The Adaptation Advantage is the importance of adaptability in today's rapidly changing world.
How long does it take to read The Adaptation Advantage?
The reading time for The Adaptation Advantage varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Adaptation Advantage a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Adaptation Advantage is a valuable read for anyone seeking to thrive in the face of change. It provides practical insights and strategies for harnessing the power of adaptation.
Who is the author of The Adaptation Advantage?
The authors of The Adaptation Advantage are Heather E. McGowan and Chris Shipley.
What to read after The Adaptation Advantage?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Adaptation Advantage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Future Fit by Andrea Clarke
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- Superagency by Reid Hoffman
- Interviewology by Anna Papalia
- Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr.
- AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan
- Attitude Is Everything by Jeff Keller
- The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Kenneth H. Blanchard