What is the main message of Brave Together?

The main message of Brave Together is about courage, community, and finding strength in togetherness.

How long does it take to read Brave Together?

Reading Brave Together takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.

Who is the author of Brave Together?

The authors of Brave Together are Chris Deaver and Ian Clawson.

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Brave Together Book Summary - Brave Together Book explained in key points

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Brave Together summary

Name: Brave Together
Rating: 3.9 (59 reviews)
Author: Chris Deaver & Ian Clawson

Chris Deaver & Ian Clawson

Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation

3.9 (59 ratings)

20 mins

Topics

Design Innovation Leadership Work Culture Creative Flow

Table of Contents

Brave Together
Summary of 5 key ideas

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Key idea 1 of 5

What’s in it for me? Unlock the power of cocreation to transform adversity into innovation and foster meaningful personal growth.

In today’s busy world, you’ve probably been fed the narrative that relentless hard work and individualism are the sole paths to success in both your career and personal life. Yet, this relentless pursuit can often lead to burnout, isolation, and a sense of division. Imagine, then, shifting the focus toward a more collaborative ethos, asking yourself how you can foster cultures that not only drive innovation but are also deeply cherished by those who inhabit them. This concept of cocreation could offer a blueprint for a future where working together creatively isn’t just an option, but the foundation of all progress.

In this Blink, you’ll learn about the transformative power of facing fears together, the critical role of self-reflection in personal growth, and the undeniable benefits of fostering a cocreative work environment. Discover the steps to transform adversity into creative power, and how compassion can drive meaningful change. You’ll also explore how collective creativity can redefine industries and the significance of shifting from a sole creator mindset to one of collaborative innovation.

Unlocking creativity through collective bravery and self-reflection

When Ian Clawson and Dave Arcade teamed up to develop the animated series Spaceland, they started on a path marked by both innovation and intimidation. Ian, with his untapped creative potential, and Dave, armed with his artistic genius, demonstrated the power and complexity of collaborative creation. This venture wasn’t just about merging talents – it was a test of overcoming the fears that accompany any creative endeavor: fear of failure, fear of losing identity, and fear of negative judgment.

For many, these fears are all too common. For Ian and Dave, the fear of falling short of expectations threatened to stifle their innovation, the apprehension of losing personal creativity in the partnership challenged their identities, and anxiety over the reception of Spaceland tested their resolve. These fears, ubiquitous in creative and professional realms, often act as formidable obstacles. But Ian and Dave’s experience with Spaceland reveals an essential truth: by embracing the ethos of collective courage, it’s possible to navigate these fears. This is the principle of being “brave together” which allows for overcoming personal barriers and paves the way for achieving broader creative success.

At the heart of transcending fear and nurturing personal growth lies the mirror test. This is an introspective exercise designed to delve into your deepest self. Are you simply managing an external facade or earnestly building toward a genuine future self that embodies your core values? It starts with a forthright evaluation of your current trajectory, urging you to recognize past accomplishments, learn from missteps, and vividly imagine a future in harmony with your fundamental beliefs. The mirror test requires a shift from superficial self-perception to a profound commitment to personal integrity and goal alignment.

By undertaking the test, you commit to a path of self-accountability, rejecting the comfort of excuses in favor of actionable change. This reflective journey will deepen your self-awareness and set the stage for a life of meaningful collaboration and collective success. It underscores the critical role of self-clarity in breaking free from complacency, advocating for a future shaped by creativity, teamwork, and decisions anchored in solid principles. Through this process, you learn to align daily actions with your long-term aspirations, charting a course toward a more intentional and fulfilling existence.

In essence, the pathway to innovation and shared success is paved with the courage to face your fears, the dedication to introspective growth via self-reflection, and the commitment to a culture of cocreation. Cultivating an environment that prizes empathy, mutual respect, and collective courage allows individuals and teams to unlock their creative potential, leading to a future that’s collaboratively envisioned and constructed.

Embracing cocreation for a fulfilling work future

In the dynamic landscape of today’s work environment, creativity and relationships are often the cornerstone of future success. Yet the corporate sphere can find itself trapped in a cycle where results overshadow the nurturing of creative spaces, leading to a work culture that stifles innovation. A shift in leadership styles and embracing cocreation offer a robust alternative to traditional employer-employee dynamics. Cocreation is like nuclear fusion, generating more energy and possibilities by uniting elements rather than dividing them.

In the modern workforce, it’s common for professionals to navigate between the stability of traditional employment and the independence of entrepreneurship, each embedded in outdated models that fail to fully satisfy. Traditional roles offer security and predictable career paths but can stifle passion and creativity, leaving many feeling trapped. Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, promises freedom and the chance to forge your own path but is marred by a high failure rate, questioning the viability of this freedom. This tension highlights the need for a new paradigm that integrates the benefits of both, advocating for a work culture where creativity, meaningful engagement, and cocreation thrive.

Transforming adversity into creative power

What if your biggest setbacks were actually pathways to hidden opportunities? In the face of business decline or personal adversity, the instinct might be to view everything as a loss. Yet, transformative power emerges when you shift your perspective toward recognizing and harnessing gains, using your experiences, pains, and challenges to fuel creativity, innovation, and success.

Take Clint Schaff’s story, for instance. Faced with the daunting challenge of leading the struggling LA Times Studios, Schaff chose to innovate over retreating. By tapping into the team’s collective passion for storytelling, they explored unconventional ideas like launching a podcast – not only salvaging the business but also redefining their industry. This illustrates the untapped potential within collective creativity and passion to discover new opportunities and redefine paths to success.

Empowering change through compassion

In a small town in Swat, Pakistan, amidst the chaos of bombs and the terror of the Taliban’s edict against girls’ education, a young girl named Malala Yousafzai stood firm. Her weapon was not violence but her voice – a beacon of hope and defiance. Malala’s journey from blogging anonymously about the right to education to surviving an assassination attempt to becoming a Nobel Peace Prize laureate encapsulates a profound truth: the power of individual conviction can ignite global change. Malala’s mission wasn’t just about reclaiming her right to learn; it was about advocating for every girl’s right to education. Making others the mission transcends personal triumph and taps into the collective strength of humanity.

This principle – the compassion principle – teaches that true fulfillment comes not from self-centered pursuits but from dedicating yourself to the betterment of others. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction derived from personal achievements, serving others offers a deeper, more enduring sense of purpose. Malala’s fight for education demonstrates how focusing on communal goals can energize and inspire, fostering a culture where compassion is the driving force.

Shaping tomorrow together through the power of creativity

In a world teeming with uncertainty and rapid change, the essence of creativity is a beacon of hope and transformation. The tumultuous events of recent years have accelerated a shift, compelling us to reevaluate our approaches to work, life, and innovation. This evolution has spotlighted the invaluable role of creators – individuals who, by nature, challenge the status quo, view the world through a lens of endless possibilities, and possess an innate drive to bring those possibilities to life.

Creativity, once seen as a solitary endeavor, is being redefined in the collective consciousness. The monumental impact of collaborative efforts, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, shows us the power of cocreation. This moment in history wasn’t just King’s vision but a shared dream, a cocreated singularity that propelled society forward. It’s an example of how creativity, when harnessed collectively, can catalyze significant societal and cultural shifts.

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What is Brave Together about?

Brave Together (2024) explores the transformative potential of cocreation for sparking innovation and driving leadership success. Through practical advice and insights, it demonstrates how to harness collective creativity to shape a visionary future and foster a culture of collaborative achievement.

Brave Together Review

Brave Together (2022) celebrates the power of friendship through a collection of heartwarming stories and lessons. Here's why this book stands out:

Featuring diverse and relatable narratives, it emphasizes the importance of connection and support in our lives.
With its uplifting messages and affirmations, the book serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and solidarity.
The book's authenticity and vulnerability create a compelling read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level, ensuring an engaging and meaningful experience.

Who should read Brave Together?

Corporate leaders and management teams
Creative professionals and innovators
Anyone interested in enhancing creativity and collaboration

About the Author

Chris Deaver is a leadership coach and culture shaper, known for his impact on major companies like Apple and Disney. He’s also authored works such as Know Before You Go and Fearless Dating.

Ian Clawson is a leader in organizational development and leadership coaching, with a background in healthcare leadership and marketing. He is a cohost for the Lead with a Question podcast and has been featured in the magazine Fast Company.

Categories with Brave Together

Corporate Culture Personal Development Management & Leadership Creativity

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