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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Evolved Executive summary
Heather Hanson Wickman
The Future of Work Is Love in Action
27 mins
Brief summary
"The Evolved Executive" by Heather Hanson Wickman explores how executives can tap into their humanity to become more effective leaders. It provides practical advice on how to develop a growth mindset, embrace vulnerability, and strengthen emotional intelligence to achieve greater success.
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The Evolved Executive
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Key idea 1 of 9
Businesses need to move beyond the restrictive models of the past and embrace adaptability.
The modern workplace is in serious need of change. In his book Dying for a Paycheck, author and business theorist Jeffrey Pfeffer explains how work-related factors, such as stress and overwork, account for around 120,000 preventable deaths every year in the US.
If this isn’t troubling enough, researchers at the Mayo Clinic medical center suggest that your boss has more influence over your health than your primary care physician. And yet according to Forbes, 58 percent of employees would trust complete strangers over their bosses.
All of this points to the fact that we need to change the way our workplaces operate, especially since many companies have not adapted to the times. In fact, they still use the same top-down hierarchical structure that became popular during the Industrial Revolution. This strict authoritarian model, with its emphasis on efficient supervision, may have made sense for managing factory production, but the business landscape has changed dramatically since then.
To see how much has changed, consider the fact that only 10 percent of businesses on the original 1955 Fortune 500 list still exist today. This has been referred to as the “Fortune 500 Disease,” but it’s really a sign of failure to adapt.
Today’s thriving companies don’t operate on strict authority and supervision. Instead, they’re flexible and adaptable, and their vision matches today’s fast-changing world. If today’s businesses hope to stay ahead of the pack, they can’t afford to ignore or silence their employees by scaring them into obedience. Instead, they need to encourage their employees to speak up and reach their full innovative potential.
When looking closely at traditional business models, it becomes apparent that leaders are also suffering. In the outdated model, executives take on all the responsibility and, therefore, all the pressure. They’re expected to know all the answers and fix any problems that may arise. With this burden on their shoulders, they’re bound to be racked with doubts and fears. But they won’t reveal these doubts by asking for help or advice and will shy away from innovative ideas, for fear of being challenged or losing their jobs if things don’t work out.
Today’s businesses need to encourage adaptability and risk-taking from their leaders if they hope to have lasting success. In the next blink, we’ll look at how leaders can evolve.
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What is The Evolved Executive about?
The Evolved Executive (2018) offers today’s business leaders a step-by-step guide on how to revolutionize their leadership and workforces for the modern era. Author Heather Hanson Wickman provides advice on how to move away from the bygone business beliefs and structures that strike fear in the hearts of employees, and adopt a more sensible, effective and loving approach. With these tips you can create a more productive and flexible workplace filled with empowered and motivated employees.
The Evolved Executive Review
The Evolved Executive (2018) by Heather Hanson Wickman is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to transform their leadership style and excel in the corporate world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Insightful case studies provide real-world examples that help readers understand and apply the principles of effective leadership.
- Practical exercises and reflection questions encourage self-awareness and personal growth, making the book's lessons actionable.
- The book's emphasis on emotional intelligence and building authentic relationships sets it apart, making the content engaging and relevant to today's leaders.
Best quote from The Evolved Executive
Little else in the modern world looks like it did in the 1920s. Why do our organizations?
—Heather Hanson Wickman
Who should read The Evolved Executive?
- Leaders looking to adapt to the modern business world
- Professionals who want a better way of working
- Executives eager to accelerate the evolution of their leadership
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The Evolved Executive FAQs
What is the main message of The Evolved Executive?
The main message of The Evolved Executive is to develop a leadership style that aligns with the demands of the modern business world.
How long does it take to read The Evolved Executive?
The reading time for The Evolved Executive varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Evolved Executive a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Evolved Executive is a valuable read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. It provides practical guidance and insights for navigating the complexities of today's workplace.
Who is the author of The Evolved Executive?
The author of The Evolved Executive is Heather Hanson Wickman.
What to read after The Evolved Executive?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Evolved Executive, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Indistractable by Nir Eyal
- The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Wealth Money Can't Buy by Robin Sharma
- The 12 Traits of the Greats by Dave Martin
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- Managing Oneself by Peter F. Drucker
- The Energy of Belonging by Wendy Gates Corbett
- Electra by Sophocles
- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma