PDF Summary:Be the Unicorn, by William Vanderbloemen

What sets exceptionally skilled individuals apart? In Be the Unicorn, William Vanderbloemen explores the characteristics and practices that empower people to become indispensable standouts in their fields.

From urgently seizing opportunities to embracing transparency, Vanderbloemen outlines twelve traits that distinguish "unicorns"—those with unparalleled abilities to outshine their competitors. Learn how to cultivate key skills like rapid responsiveness, relationship-building, organization, and a cohesive sense of purpose to elevate both your personal and professional accomplishments.

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Approaching Obstacles with a Solutions-Oriented Mindset

Emphasizing the significance of foresight, Vanderbloemen motivates readers to overcome challenges and progress towards solutions. The author emphasizes our inclination to concentrate on immediate issues, causing us to focus on complaints and negative perspectives instead of directing our energy toward finding resolutions. He underscores the propensity of our mind to dwell on the negative aspects, pointing out that although this tendency was beneficial for our forebears in remaining vigilant against dangers like predators, in today's world, it serves as a drawback. Vanderbloemen underscores the significance of transforming obstacles into opportunities for development, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and appreciating individuals who offer innovative solutions to issues. He encouraged readers to tackle problems by offering proactive suggestions and solutions, thereby cultivating an organizational culture that prioritizes action over the cultivation of negativity or passivity.

William Vanderbloemen drew inspiration from the transformative journey of Kevin Plank, which propelled him to innovate in the athletic apparel industry by tackling the problem of sweat-drenched cotton clothing. He underscores how the swift decisions, daring endeavors, and readiness to embrace risks taken by Plank and his enterprise catapulted them from relative anonymity to global prominence. His narrative exemplifies the distinctive method an exceptional individual employs to tackle challenges.

Demonstrating flexibility when adapting to evolving situations.

Vanderbloemen acknowledges that while our agility may diminish with age, we can still hone specific skills to maintain our flexibility. He encouraged his listeners to cultivate a mindset that consistently seeks out education and change, open to new ideas and approaches instead of adhering to outdated traditions simply because they are traditional. Adjusting to fresh situations, even if they are not to our liking, is crucial, as Vanderbloemen demonstrates through the example of a person targeting a Chief Communications Officer role who had their travel plans to France disrupted by the worldwide health crisis. Instead of succumbing to the disappointment of disrupted holiday arrangements, she embraced the additional chance to master French, turning an adverse situation into a beneficial one, showcasing true flexibility.

Relationship Building

Vanderbloemen underscores the vital role of cultivating strong bonds in all areas of life, pointing out that what sets Unicorns apart is their extraordinary talent for establishing relationships. He emphasizes the significance of genuine personal connections, rooted in empathy and a sincere interest in the well-being of others, in an era characterized by our hyper-connectivity and a multitude of networking channels.

Developing Genuine Connections

Vanderbloemen stresses the significance of nurturing profound relationships with people from varied walks of life, instead of just concentrating on the number or prestige of one's network. You don't need to visit elite establishments such as the Soho House or other spots favored by the wealthy and powerful. Demonstrating kindness, attentiveness, and respect to everyone you interact with is crucial, regardless of how trivial the encounters may appear.

Showing genuine care for other people.

Vanderbloemen advocates for engaging with others through authentic care and purposeful interaction, emphasizing that showing a true concern for people is significantly more impactful than adopting the guise of an insincere networker. In the film "For Love or Money," Doug, the hotel concierge, is characterized by his exceptional attention to detail and proactive approach to satisfying his guests' needs, which serendipitously leads to an opportunity that propels him toward his aspiration of owning a hotel. He also recounts an interaction with a former president who, regardless of the number of personal inquiries he posed, always redirected the discussion towards himself. This incident cemented Vanderbloemen's conviction regarding the potency of forging bonds, as it clarified the reasons behind people's attraction to the ex-president.

Recalling and utilizing individual specifics to strengthen connections.

The authors emphasize the importance of remembering not just names but also specific details that are meaningful to an individual, highlighting that this practice distinguishes an exceptional person. They tell of a friend, "Larry," who goes out of his way to build connections with servers at his favorite restaurants, showing genuine interest in their lives and following up with those connections every time he dines there. Cultivating connections with everyone is central to Vanderbloemen's ideology, as any of these relationships might turn out to be advantageous for you or your entity down the line.

Vanderbloemen recounts a personal story where his knack for forging connections proved advantageous for his wife's relatives. The recipe for gumbo was a secret held exclusively by the eldest matriarch of Adrienne's family. Vanderbloemen recognized a chance to contribute something worthwhile to his network by convincing her to share the detailed process, ensuring its preservation for posterity.

Dedicating effort and resources to nurture relationships.

William Vanderbloemen emphasizes the significance of consistently nurturing connections as time progresses. He illustrates with his own experiences that even a small gesture of kindness, like offering someone's email or giving a recommendation, can bring unexpected rewards to the individual extending assistance. He emphasizes the importance of offering support and kindness to those embarking on their professional paths, which can elevate their reputation and open doors to further career advancements.

Utilizing personal relationships to attain success.

Vanderbloemen argues that by nurturing and preserving relationships, one can build a valuable network of social resources. Generosity and the relationships one cultivates often form the bedrock of one's network and influence. He advises considering relationships from a perspective that transcends self-interest, focusing on assisting those individuals in achieving their aspirations and objectives. Building connections requires a long-term strategic outlook, recognizing that while the rewards might not be immediate, they will amplify progressively as time goes on.

Grasping the significance of your relationships.

The authors recognize Keith Ferrazzi for his outstanding expertise in this domain. Ferrazzi's ascent to prominence can be attributed in part to his knack for establishing relationships with powerful figures, even though he began with minimal advantages because of his familial circumstances. He rose through the professional hierarchy by not only excelling in his positions and building genuine connections throughout his career path but also by surpassing anticipated performance levels, thereby drawing the notice of key figures who could hasten his career advancement.

Vanderbloemen also cites the example of biblical figure Moses, whose story illustrates the significant influence of forming strong bonds. He would have never become the leader who led his people out of captivity without the fortuitous discovery by a certain member of Egyptian royalty and guidance from the Divine.

Expanding Your Network with Strategy

Building connections in the real world is essential, yet the authors acknowledge the substantial role that social media plays in expanding one's network. Vanderbloemen underscores the importance of growing your digital connections, encouraging the creation of relationships that go beyond mere acquaintances by starting significant conversations and proposing continuous interactions via video or telephone.

Assist others by advancing the cycle of generosity.

Vanderbloemen advocates for a generous approach for leveraging connections. He inspires his audience to create opportunities for interaction between individuals who may not have crossed paths under different circumstances. He narrates an experience where he met with the chief executive of a company who was seeking the perfect charitable partner to expand their cause. Vanderbloemen leveraged his connections to aid the CEO in achieving goals that the organization could not have accomplished on its own.

Organizational readiness and planning.

Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight and readiness, traits that set Unicorns apart, going beyond the conventional Scouts' motto by cultivating a mindset that prioritizes organization, anticipatory planning, and the essential discipline to maintain these attributes.

Meticulous Planning and Goal-Setting

Vanderbloemen emphasizes the necessity of thorough preparedness, underscoring the advantages of steadiness and command, and cites the esteemed UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who famously started each season's first practice by instructing players on the proper method of donning their shoes and socks. Even tasks that appear insignificant can influence the overall productivity of a group.

Breaking Down Large Tasks into Achievable Steps

The authors inspire readers to approach substantial, intimidating tasks by breaking them down into smaller, more achievable parts, similar to the strategy employed by UCLA's Coach Wooden when dealing with socks and shoes. By establishing specific objectives and consistently devising strategies for a given project, especially when under significant pressure and as deadlines loom, the project becomes more manageable and the ultimate goal more achievable.

Maintaining a Future-Oriented Perspective

Vanderbloemen argues that being prepared involves continuous anticipation, creating a distinct image of the desired outcome, and carefully planning the path to achieve that outcome. He highlights the importance of actively planning for how those steps will affect those involved.

Managing time effectively is essential.

The authors encourage actively analyzing work habits and adjusting those practices to accommodate and enhance productivity. Effective work is not solely dependent on how quickly or smartly it is done, but also on the implementation of a strategy that is in harmony with the project's goals and considers the individual's distinct abilities and rhythm. During the evaluation period, Holly, a prospective team member, showcased a PowerPoint that compellingly advocated for the hiring of a firm proficient in customer acquisition via digital marketing to oversee Vanderbloemen's internet advertising efforts. Vanderbloemen saw this practice of coming prepared as a show of initiative, and Holly was hired straightaway.

Attention to Detail and Competency

Vanderbloemen underscores the importance of gathering all relevant information before taking any steps, which goes beyond merely formulating a strategy. William Vanderbloemen contends that dedicating time to this endeavor is worthwhile and results in enhanced productivity.

Conducting a comprehensive preparation for potential challenges.

The authors stress the importance of thorough preparation as a fundamental aspect of successful leadership. Leaders enhance their own standing as well as that of their team by confidently addressing each question. Vanderbloemen emphasizes that being proactive in planning not only conserves time but also organizational resources, thereby enhancing the group's overall productivity.

Delivering High-Quality Work Consistently

The authors underscore the significance of maintaining a high standard of work, noting that it leaves an enduring favorable impression on both your standing and the cohesion of your group.

Constantly broadening and enhancing one's understanding.

Vanderbloemen advocates for an unyielding pursuit of knowledge, emphasizing the significance of broadening one's understanding to guarantee readiness. William Vanderbloemen recounts an early career experience that taught him the dangers of excessive self-assurance in teaching Algebra, which stemmed from his strong mathematical abilities yet was not backed by adequate preparation. When his advisors presented him with a new opportunity, Vanderbloemen acknowledged the significance of understanding the full sequence of events that culminate in a decision, not merely the final outcome of that decision.

An all-encompassing goal and mentality.

Vanderbloemen underscores the significance of possessing a clear and specific goal that sets Unicorns apart, both in personal lives and within the structure of organizations. He argues that recognizing the significance of one's purpose is crucial for driving motivation, achieving goals, and inspiring others. Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of aligning one's personal principles with the collective goals of an organization and stresses the significance of fostering a mindset that embraces obstacles and relentlessly seeks opportunities for ongoing improvement.

Clearly Defined Personal and Professional Purpose

The authors argue that possessing a unique purpose is vital for the success of individuals as well as entities. When the values you hold dear align with your organization's culture, it fosters a feeling of satisfaction, loyalty, and enhanced outcomes for everyone involved. This is illustrated with the example of Zoom's CEO, Eric Yuan, who had spent his career preparing the technology for the world's needs, long before we knew of them. The technology's innate ease of use and affordability, coupled with its capacity to boost efficiency, equipped Yuan and Zoom with a tactical edge to meet the significant demand that arose.

Regularly strengthening one's grasp of their own purpose.

Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of regularly re-evaluating our core goals to ensure that our actions remain in harmony with our essential values and objectives. He encourages individuals to frequently reflect on the aim and trajectory of their lives, finding inspiration from those who lead lives marked by a distinct and undeniable sense of purpose.

Acting in a manner that mirrors one's core values and objectives.

The authors stress the importance of aligning one's behavior and efforts with their principles to further their broader goals and ensure consistency with their core aims. They advocate infusing each activity with a purposeful base, avoiding behaviors performed solely out of routine or due to conventional expectations.

Motivating others through the cultivation of a deep comprehension of their individual objectives.

Vanderbloemen emphasizes the beneficial effects of a common goal within organizations, underscoring its ability to foster enhanced cohesion, drive, and a shared sense of accountability. He emphasizes the importance of clearly stating an organization's core mission and advocates for leadership approaches that place the idea of purpose at the forefront of attaining success.

Cultivating an attitude that prioritizes development and the pursuit of learning.

The authors argue that fully realizing the advantages of the other eleven unique traits of a Unicorn necessitates adopting a growth-oriented mindset. Recognizing that improvement is an ongoing process is essential for unleashing the complete capacity of the other characteristics.

Welcoming challenges as chances for enhancement.

The authors draw inspiration from the remarkable unity and determination of a diverse group that came together to rescue the boys and their coach, an event that echoes the operation in Thailand to save a trapped soccer team. They propose that a unique, cohesive purpose can motivate remarkable endeavors and yield outstanding results, even when confronted with significant challenges.

Welcoming feedback for improvement is essential and involves embracing humility.

The authors emphasize the importance of humility and suggest that welcoming constructive feedback can enhance work efficiency and boost output levels.

Persevering Through Setbacks with Resilience

The authors acknowledge that we won't achieve perfection in any one trait or in all twelve. Vanderbloemen motivates his audience to persist through every error and flaw, fostering the development of each of the twelve traits. Ultimately, he argues that the pursuit of transforming into a unique and remarkable being is profoundly fulfilling.