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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Unbreakable summary
Bradley L. Kirkman
Adam Stoverink
Building and Leading Resilient Teams
21 mins
Brief summary
Unbreakable provides insights into building resilient teams by cultivating trust, robustness, and agility. Authors Bradley L. Kirkman and Adam Stoverink offer practical strategies for leaders to develop and sustain team resilience in the face of adversity.
Table of Contents
Unbreakable
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
The Mann Gulch tragedy and the four pitfalls of team dynamics
In August 1949, the Mann Gulch fire in Montana’s Helena National Forest presented a harrowing challenge to a team of expert smokejumpers. Tasked with helping combat a rapidly escalating wildfire, these airborne firefighters parachuted directly into the rugged terrain. What ensued was a dire struggle against an unpredictable and fierce blaze – a struggle that 12 of the 15 smokejumpers tragically lost. This scenario reveals the profound vulnerabilities and critical aspects of team resilience under the intense pressure of a life-threatening emergency. In this case, there were four major pitfalls into which the team fell.
First off, the smokejumpers, though individually experienced, lacked cohesive team confidence. This disconnect led to a fragmented approach when they were faced with the rapidly escalating fire. Their individual expertise did not synergize into a unified, effective response, illustrating the importance of a shared belief in collective capability, especially in crisis situations.
The crew also lacked a clear, shared understanding of roles and strategies, essential for coordinated action in emergencies. This resulted in ineffective responses as the fire intensified. The incident underscores the necessity of a well-defined teamwork structure, allowing for coordinated and efficient response in critical situations.
Next, when confronted with an unpredictable situation, the team’s inability to adapt and improvise proved detrimental, highlighting the importance of flexibility and creativity in crisis management. Teams must quickly devise new strategies when standard procedures fail.
Finally, the experience brought to light the significance of psychological safety within a team. Fear and pressure inhibited open communication and collaborative problem-solving, stifling the expression of innovative ideas and concerns, essential in rapidly evolving emergencies. Teams must cultivate an atmosphere in which members feel safe voicing their insights and suggestions.
While the Mann Gulch incident is an extreme example – most team failures don’t lead to a loss of 13 lives – it offers profound insights into the dynamics of team resilience, emphasizing the necessity of balanced team confidence, a clear teamwork roadmap, the capacity to improvise, and psychological safety. These elements are crucial for any team seeking to navigate and triumph over unforeseen challenges and crises.
So what can you do to make sure your team doesn’t fall into these traps? Let’s start with strengthening confidence.
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What is Unbreakable about?
Unbreakable (2023) looks at the strategies for creating and leading teams capable of enduring and thriving amid business challenges and uncertainties. It highlights key resources like team confidence, improvisation skills, and psychological safety, offering practical guidance for leaders to foster these qualities in diverse team settings, including remote or hybrid work environments.
Unbreakable Review
Unbreakable (2021) delves into the fascinating world of resilience, exploring how individuals and organizations can develop the ability to overcome adversity and thrive. Here's why you should pick up this book:
- With insightful stories and research-backed strategies, it offers concrete tools to build resilience and bounce back stronger from challenges.
- The authors provide a holistic approach that blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-life examples, making it a comprehensive resource for personal and professional growth.
- Through its practical exercises and relatable anecdotes, this book keeps us engaged, ensuring that our journey towards resilience is both enjoyable and impactful.
Who should read Unbreakable?
- Entrepreneurs navigating volatile markets
- Executives leading diverse, global teams
- Project managers in fast-paced industries
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Unbreakable FAQs
What is the main message of Unbreakable?
In Unbreakable, the main message is to strengthen resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
How long does it take to read Unbreakable?
The reading time for Unbreakable varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Unbreakable a good book? Is it worth reading?
Unbreakable is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on building resilience and adapting to change.
Who is the author of Unbreakable?
The authors of Unbreakable are Bradley L. Kirkman and Adam Stoverink.
How many chapters are in Unbreakable?
There are several chapters in Unbreakable. Here is a list of them:
- Chapter 1: The Importance of Resilience
- Chapter 2: Building Resilience
- Chapter 3: Adapting to Change
- Chapter 4: Overcoming Challenges
- Chapter 5: Thriving in Uncertainty
How many pages are in Unbreakable?
Unbreakable contains approximately 200 pages.
When was Unbreakable published?
Unbreakable was published in the year 2022.
What to read after Unbreakable?
If you're wondering what to read next after Unbreakable, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- All In by Mike Michalowicz
- The Skill Code by Matt Beane
- High-Impact Tools for Teams by Stefano Mastrogiacomo and Alexander Osterwalder
- The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman
- Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink
- How Highly Effective People Speak by Peter Andrei
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Breaking the Cycle by George N. Collins with Andrew Adleman
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott
- Career Confidence by Robynn Storey