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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Two Birds in a Tree summary
Ram Nidumolu
Timeless Indian Wisdom for Business Leaders
18 mins
Brief summary
'Two Birds in a Tree' by Ram Nidumolu is a business book that proposes a new paradigm for companies. It encourages a shift towards a more sustainable and holistic approach that combines profit making with societal and environmental benefits.
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Two Birds in a Tree
Summary of 9 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 9
Better business means being connected to the world.
What do you do and how much do you earn? Simple, everyday questions, but ones that illustrate a crucial point: the vast majority of your worklife is based on doing and earning. So, what would it be like if you focused more on just being–the essential state that connects all living things?
Well, that question will take you back thousands of years to the Upanishads. This cache of Indian wisdom comes from the Vedas, ancient texts of an 800 BC religion that formed the basis of Hinduism.
They tell a tale about two birds in a tree:
One is in the lower branches and the other is at the tree’s peak, looking out on the view. The lower bird represents the anxious ego, the one that jumps around doing things and trying to attain others, while being blind to the bigger picture. Meanwhile, the higher bird is perched serenely at the top, enjoying a full perspective of the world and its connections.
Unfortunately, business tends to act like the lower bird and it causes a lot of harm. That’s because businesses often see themselves as separate from other areas of responsibility like those to humanity and nature. Instead they focus only on the ones that are explicitly in their domain, like stockholders and investors. Not just that, but it’s this logic that has been foundational in economic and environmental crises, things like the 2008 financial meltdown and climate change.
Luckily there’s a way to change that and it’s called being-centered business. This approach is all about attending to the deep connection between a company and the world it operates in. All business leaders should adopt this approach and one that’s done so in stride is The Body Shop.
For instance, Anita Roddick, the company’s founder, became famous by defending the environment as well as indigenous Amazonian tribes. In fact, it was this deep connection to the planet and its people that helped her build a billion-dollar corporation.
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What is Two Birds in a Tree about?
Two Birds in a Tree (2013) is a guide to holistic business practices, inspired by the ancient Indian text, the Upanishads. These blinks will teach you how to build a business that is good to its employees, customers and the environment while posting record numbers and garnering huge success.
Two Birds in a Tree Review
Two Birds in a Tree (2022) is a thought-provoking book that explores the concept of sustainability and its impact on businesses and society. Here's why it's worth reading:
- With its fascinating case studies and real-world examples, it offers valuable insights into how businesses can integrate sustainable practices while maintaining profitability.
- The book presents a holistic framework that goes beyond traditional corporate social responsibility, encouraging readers to think creatively and adapt to a changing world.
- Through its compelling storytelling and deep analysis, the book captivates readers, making the topic of sustainability engaging and relevant.
Best quote from Two Birds in a Tree
We call ourselves living beings, we are neither living doings nor living havings.
—Ram Nidumolu
Who should read Two Birds in a Tree?
- Business leaders seeking the inspiration to create a better world.
- Managers who want to excel at leadership.
- Start-up entrepreneurs who want to build their companies right.
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Two Birds in a Tree FAQs
What is the main message of Two Birds in a Tree?
The main message of Two Birds in a Tree is the importance of aligning business strategy with sustainability and societal impact.
How long does it take to read Two Birds in a Tree?
The reading time for Two Birds in a Tree varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Two Birds in a Tree a good book? Is it worth reading?
Two Birds in a Tree is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in integrating sustainability into their business strategy. It offers practical insights and real-life examples.
Who is the author of Two Birds in a Tree?
The author of Two Birds in a Tree is Ram Nidumolu.
What to read after Two Birds in a Tree?
If you're wondering what to read next after Two Birds in a Tree, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Science of Rapid Skill Acquisition by Peter Hollins
- Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
- How to Be Enough by Ellen Hendriksen
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