Move Fast and Fix Things Book Summary - Move Fast and Fix Things Book explained in key points
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Move Fast and Fix Things summary

Frances Frei & Anne Morriss

The Trusted Leader's Guide to Solving Hard Problems and Accelerating Change

3.2 (109 ratings)
7 mins

Brief summary

Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss is a thought-provoking book that challenges the status quo and encourages taking risks in order to drive innovation and achieve meaningful change.

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    Move Fast and Fix Things
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    Navigating the challenges of organizational dynamics

    Imagine you’re in a bustling office. Every team’s working hard, yet the company’s profits are steadily declining. You’d want to identify the exact department or project that’s causing the loss – not just see the red numbers on the balance sheet, right? 

    Similarly, when you face challenges in your own organization, the first order of business is to identify the real problems. It’s not enough to simply spot the symptoms or address superficial issues. By truly pinpointing the root of a problem, you’re compelled to take action with a renewed sense of urgency.    

    But how do you dig through the layers of reports, meetings, and data to find the root cause? This is where curiosity comes in. It encourages you to dig deep and question the decisions you may not even realize you’re making. Think of a time you made a decision based on what you thought was right, only to find out you were missing a critical piece of data. 

    So, here’s the key message: by nurturing a sense of inquiry, you can ensure your strategies are based on comprehensive insights and not just instincts or assumptions.

    What does this mean in practice? When facing a challenge, pause and ask yourself, “Am I addressing the real problem or just a symptom?” Look beyond the immediate and obvious. For instance, if your team’s productivity is declining, go beyond just setting tighter deadlines. Could there be communication barriers? Are they lacking the necessary resources? 

    This is where fostering a safe environment for open dialogue becomes invaluable. By encouraging honest conversations, you’re not only empowering your team but also equipping yourself with the insights to address the core issue.

    If you’re in a leadership position, consider holding regular feedback sessions where team members can voice concerns without fear of backlash. For a more structured approach, anonymous surveys can provide valuable insights and allow for independent reflection. Remember, the aim is to understand the “why” behind the issue – not just the “what.”

    While challenges are inevitable, they’re also opportunities. By identifying real problems, nurturing curiosity, and fostering open dialogue, you’ll be better prepared to navigate any business challenge that comes your way. And as you embark on this journey of deeper understanding and problem-solving, don’t forget to ask yourself, “Am I focusing on the minor setbacks or the root causes?” Your answer will make all the difference.

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    What is Move Fast and Fix Things about?

    Move Fast and Fix Things (2023) dives into the art of addressing core challenges in organizational landscapes. Emphasizing the interplay of genuine curiosity and steadfast trust, it reveals the blueprint for navigating business dynamics and turning challenges into stepping stones – paving the way for enduring success.

    Move Fast and Fix Things Review

    Move Fast and Fix Things (2020) is an insightful book that explores the powerful role of trust in organizations and how to build it. Here are three reasons why this book is worth your time:

    • With compelling case studies and practical examples, it highlights the importance of trust in driving performance and innovation.
    • The book offers a refreshing perspective on leadership and teamwork, challenging conventional wisdom and providing readers with new strategies for success.
    • It's not just theoretical - the authors draw from their own experiences and interviews with industry leaders, making the content relatable and actionable.

    Who should read Move Fast and Fix Things?

    • Aspiring leaders seeking strategic insights
    • Management professionals aiming for transparency and trust-building
    • Business consultants focused on organizational problem-solving

    About the Author

    Frances Frei is a professor at Harvard Business School. Her research focuses on how leaders shape the conditions in which organizations and individuals can excel in strategy, operations, and culture. In 2017, she took the helm as Uber’s first senior vice president of leadership and strategy, guiding the company through a phase of transformation and leadership recalibration. 

    Anne Morriss is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and the mind behind The Leadership Consortium. This leadership accelerator focuses on priming women and people of color for senior leadership roles. Together with Frei, Morriss has penned influential titles like Uncommon Service and Unleashed, and hosts the leadership advice podcast Fixable.

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    Move Fast and Fix Things FAQs 

    What is the main message of Move Fast and Fix Things?

    The main message of Move Fast and Fix Things is about embracing failure and learning from it to achieve success.

    How long does it take to read Move Fast and Fix Things?

    Reading Move Fast and Fix Things could take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is Move Fast and Fix Things a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Move Fast and Fix Things is a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the importance of agility and adaptability in today's fast-paced world.

    Who is the author of Move Fast and Fix Things?

    The authors of Move Fast and Fix Things are Frances Frei and Anne Morriss.

    What to read after Move Fast and Fix Things?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Move Fast and Fix Things, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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