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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Imperfectionists summary
Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times
23 mins
Brief summary
The Imperfectionists is a poignant and beautifully written novel that delves into the lives of journalists working at an international newspaper in Rome. With its rich cast of characters, it explores the challenges and triumphs of the newspaper industry in a rapidly changing media landscape.
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The Imperfectionists
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Strategic mindset 1: Curiosity
In the 1970s, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) made a pioneering change. While the rest of manufacturing America was intent on continuing assembly line productivity, 3M required employees to spend up to 15 percent of their paid hours away from core tasks. Why? Well, they wanted to imbue their organization with a spirit of curiosity. If people had time to pursue their interests, they figured, the result would be more innovation. Many similar companies have risen and fallen since then. Meanwhile, 3M has been in operation for over a century. (Decades later, Google upped the ante, requiring 20 percent unstructured time.)
Curiosity is at the heart of innovation. Just take the Nespresso capsule, which was invented by a brilliant engineer named Eric Fevre. Fevre was curious about why there was a longer line at a particular coffee shop in Rome, Saint Eustacios. He investigated, and discovered how they created a remarkable “crema” on their espresso, which he later reproduced in the lab.
Psychologists define curiosity as the desire to bridge the gap between our current knowledge and what we’d like to know. For McLean and Conn, it’s the most foundational strategic mindset. As much as we may rail against uncertainty, curiosity can’t exist without it.
We’re innately inquisitive beings. From the moment we’re born until about the age of five, our curiosity compounds. Case in point, researchers have found some toddlers ask 300 questions per day.
Researchers have also identified a curiosity “sweet spot,” where the level of uncertainty is neither too over- nor underwhelming. At this midpoint, we can tackle complex creative problems with relative confidence of success.
So why have studies found that only 24 percent of us believe that curiosity at work is valued? While certain deadlines and metrics need to be met, do we have to sacrifice questioning and experimentation to do so? Examples like 3M and Google show us the two aren’t mutually exclusive.
What might adoption look like in practice? There are three ways in.
The first is putting yourself in the path of stimulating people, places, and conversations. The second is not feeling afraid to pose rudimentary or absurd questions. Ask “why?” to everything without fear. And the third is cultivating conditions for “novelty, gestation, and safety” in your workplace to make creative thinking welcome – just as Nespresso did when it gave Eric Fevrethe time and space to be curious about the espresso crema.
The coming years will be bumpy for those who stick hard and fast to assumptions and the status quo. “That’s the way we’ve always done it” will become less a point of pride, and more a cause for serious concern.
By making small shifts in your life today, such as engineering an interaction with someone in another department, for example, or going for a walk during your lunch break to let your thinking percolate, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating the first strategic mindset our near future demands.
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What is The Imperfectionists about?
The Imperfectionists (2023) is a strategic guide to surviving – and thriving – in today’s uncertain world. As careers and lives continue to be disrupted at an unprecedented rate, individuals equipped with specific problem-solving mindsets will have a critical advantage.
The Imperfectionists Review
The Imperfectionists (2010) takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous world of journalism, exploring the triumphs and tribulations of a struggling newspaper. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its richly developed characters and interconnected stories, it offers a vivid portrayal of the complex lives and motivations of journalists.
- By delving into the inner workings of a failing newspaper and the evolving media landscape, it provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the industry.
- Combining humor, wit, and poignancy, the book captures the human side of journalism, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who should read The Imperfectionists?
- Entrepreneurs committed to staying ahead of the curve
- Leaders in disrupted fields
- Anyone wanting to improve their creative problem-solving skills
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The Imperfectionists FAQs
What is the main message of The Imperfectionists?
The main message of The Imperfectionists is the intricacies of a failing newspaper and the people behind it.
How long does it take to read The Imperfectionists?
The reading time for The Imperfectionists varies depending on the reader's pace, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Imperfectionists a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Imperfectionists is worth reading for its insightful exploration of journalism, human flaws, and the fragile nature of the newspaper industry.
Who is the author of The Imperfectionists?
The authors of The Imperfectionists are Robert McLean and Charles Conn.
What to read after The Imperfectionists?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Imperfectionists, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Bulletproof Problem Solving by Charles Conn and Robert McLean
- Mastering Communication at Work by Ethan F. Becker and Jon Wortmann
- All It Takes Is a Goal by Jon Acuff
- The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
- Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
- Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday