<p>How long does it take to read Unbreakable?</p>

<p>The reading time for <em>Unbreakable</em> varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.</p>

<p>Who is the author of Unbreakable?</p>

<p>The authors of <em>Unbreakable</em> are Bradley L. Kirkman and Adam Stoverink.</p>

<p>How many chapters are in Unbreakable?</p>

<p>There are several chapters in <em>Unbreakable</em>. Here is a list of them: </p><ol><li><div>Chapter 1: The Importance of Resilience</div></li><li><div>Chapter 2: Building Resilience</div></li><li><div>Chapter 3: Adapting to Change</div></li><li><div>Chapter 4: Overcoming Challenges</div></li><li><div>Chapter 5: Thriving in Uncertainty</div></li></ol>

<p>How many pages are in Unbreakable?</p>

<p><em>Unbreakable</em> contains approximately 200 pages.</p>

<p>When was Unbreakable published?</p>

<p><em>Unbreakable</em> was published in the year 2022.</p>

Management & Leadership

Unbreakable Book Summary - Unbreakable Book explained in key points

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Unbreakable summary

Name: Unbreakable
Rating: 4.1 (14 reviews)
Author: Bradley L. Kirkman & Adam Stoverink

Bradley L. Kirkman Adam Stoverink

Building and Leading Resilient Teams

4.1 (14 ratings)

21 mins

Topics

Talent Development Work Culture Teamwork Success Leadership Career Progress

Table of Contents

Unbreakable
Summary of 6 key ideas

Audio & text in the Blinkist app

Key idea 1 of 6

What’s in it for me? Forge resilient, adaptable teams that excel at crisis management and creative problem-solving.

Today, more than ever, teamwork is paramount to the success of any major project. Imagine a scenario in which every team member, from the most junior to the most senior, contributes fearlessly and innovatively. This ideal setting, in which hierarchy doesn’t stifle creativity and communication, is vital in today’s quickly-evolving corporate landscape. Building this kind of team resilience requires more than just skill; it demands a nurturing environment in which confidence, clear strategies, adaptability, and psychological safety are cultivated.

In this Blink, you’ll delve into these crucial elements that form the backbone of resilient teams. You’ll explore the importance of team confidence, structured teamwork, improvisational skills, and the creation of a psychologically safe space.

But let’s start by examining the Mann Gulch disaster, a poignant example of a team that faced monumental challenges due to the absence of these vital components.

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.

Cultivating resilient teams through confidence-building

When it comes to team dynamics, confidence is a pivotal factor in ensuring resilience and success. Say, for example, that you’re part of a software development team at a midsize high-tech company, faced with a major software launch. Your team’s blend of confidence and caution, drawn from past successes, equips it to handle any unexpected crisis effectively.

Developing such team confidence involves a comprehensive approach, in which clarity of goals and processes plays a fundamental role. Every team member needs to understand not only what they are working toward but also how each of their roles contributes to the larger objective. This clarity instills a sense of purpose and direction, much like the focused efforts of South Africa’s Black Mamba anti-poaching team, whose single-minded goal of protecting rhinos is crystal clear.

Crafting teamwork roadmaps for resilient and adaptable teams

Nowhere is the importance of effective teamwork and resilience clearer than in the US healthcare system. Here, workers face more workplace violence than any other professionals, with over 60 percent experiencing physical or verbal abuse. These challenges highlight the necessity of teamwork roadmaps, strategic guides that empower teams like behavioral response units in hospitals to handle crises efficiently. These roadmaps are central to team resilience, enabling teams to navigate adversities with agility and efficiency, and are a testament to the critical role of strategic planning and collaboration in managing professional challenges.

Be sure to hold regular team meetings. These gatherings are not just procedural; they’re essential for creating a collective understanding of roles, responsibilities, and objectives. They provide a platform for discussing current and future challenges, reinforcing the team’s readiness and cohesiveness.

Mastering the art of team improvisation

In the ever-shifting landscape of professional teamwork, the ability to improvise swiftly is not just beneficial but essential. Take the scenario of a product development team at a green consumer goods manufacturer. As they approached the final stages of developing an innovative spray disinfectant, a sudden crisis emerged: the product, though highly effective, was found to be hazardous to pets. This unexpected challenge propelled the team into a high-pressure situation, demanding an immediate and innovative solution.

With little time to spare, the team started an intense brainstorming session. Their collective creativity and deep understanding of each other’s expertise allowed them to explore a multitude of options. The outcome was a creative modification of the disinfectant’s formula. This alteration successfully neutralized the threat to pets without compromising the product’s effectiveness or environmental friendliness. Their rapid pivot in the face of crisis exemplifies the importance of effective team improvisation.

Developing team resilience through psychological safety

In a high-stakes corporate environment, psychological safety is vital to fostering effective team dynamics. This concept is crucial in enabling team members, regardless of their hierarchical position, to voice ideas and concerns without fear of repercussions. Cultivating a psychologically safe workplace depends on several key strategies.

First, leaders need to create an inclusive atmosphere where every team member, especially quieter ones, feels encouraged to participate and contribute. Such an environment promotes diversity of thought and innovation.

Strengthening team dynamics in virtual workspaces

The transition from traditional office settings to remote and hybrid teams has become common. This shift, while offering flexibility and a broadened talent pool, brings its own set of challenges in maintaining team resilience.

The essence of building a resilient team in a remote or hybrid setting lies in adapting leadership techniques and team dynamics to suit virtual interactions. First, extra emphasis should be placed on establishing team confidence. Clear communication of goals, empowering team members, and fostering a transformational leadership approach are key. This involves not just setting a vision, but also ensuring that team members understand how their roles contribute to the larger picture.

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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

About the Author

Bradley L. Kirkman is the General (Ret.) H. Hugh Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership at North Carolina State University. He is known for his contributions to the field of leadership, particularly in complex team dynamics. His previous work includes 3D Team Leadership: A New Approach for Complex Teams.

Adam C. Stoverink is an associate professor of Management at the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business, and the director of Walton MBA programs. His research and publications have made significant contributions to the field of team and organizational dynamics.

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