Be the Unicorn

Be the Unicorn Plot Summary

Introduction

In today's hyperconnected world, with more human beings on the planet than ever before and five generations crowding the workforce simultaneously, standing out has never been more challenging. With the dawn of artificial intelligence, many wonder not if but when they might be replaced. Yet amidst this noise and uncertainty lies an extraordinary opportunity to become truly irreplaceable. Have you ever met someone who immediately captured your attention? Someone with that special spark—the energy that lights up a room, the effortless leadership quality, the irresistible charm that seems almost magical? These rare individuals aren't mythical creatures; they possess identifiable traits that can be studied and developed. What appears as effortless success is actually a collection of learnable habits. This book reveals the twelve specific characteristics that will transform you from ordinary to extraordinary—a professional unicorn who stands out in any crowd and becomes genuinely irreplaceable.

Chapter 1: Respond Quickly: The Power of Immediate Action

Speed wins. This simple truth contradicts the conventional wisdom that tells us to play it cool, wait a few days, or not appear too eager. In a world of on-demand everything, those who respond quickly gain a distinct advantage over their peers. Consider Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS Shoes. Throughout his career, Mycoskie has demonstrated the power of quick response. When an injury ended his college tennis career, he didn't wallow in disappointment—he immediately launched a successful laundry business. When he spotted the opportunity to create a socially conscious shoe company, he acted swiftly, pioneering the "one for one" business model that would inspire countless other social enterprises. Mycoskie's entire career trajectory shows how speed creates opportunities. This pattern continues today as Mycoskie investigates new ventures, always racing to find the next innovation. His quick responses aren't reckless; they're calculated moves based on recognizing opportunities that others miss or hesitate to pursue. Speed becomes a competitive advantage when paired with discernment. The science behind this is fascinating. Our brains are wired with a bias toward procrastination—the limbic system (our pleasure center) typically overpowers the prefrontal cortex (our planning center). The word "procrastinate" literally derives from Latin meaning "tomorrow." But tomorrow rarely comes. The ability to quiet this procrastination instinct and act now on what matters is a hallmark of successful people. How can you develop this fast-response mindset? Start by distinguishing between distractions and opportunities. True opportunities align with your goals, yield results worth the sacrifice, and generate consensus between your emotional and rational thinking. Practice evaluating situations quickly, asking: "Is this getting me closer to my goals?" Build confidence in your decision-making by starting small—respond to emails within 24 hours, return calls promptly, make decisions about minor matters without delay. Remember that being fast doesn't mean being hasty or saying yes to everything. It means making deliberate decisions quickly and moving forward with conviction. The confidence to act swiftly comes from practice and from knowing that speed itself creates value in our rapid-response world.

Chapter 2: Lead with Authenticity: Building Trust Through Transparency

In an era where reality is filtered, polished, and curated, authenticity has become a precious commodity. The ability to be genuine—to present your true self, complete with strengths and weaknesses—creates trust in a world increasingly skeptical of facades and artificial personas. Warren Buffett exemplifies this principle perfectly. As one of the world's wealthiest individuals, he could project any image he desires. Instead, he chooses straightforward honesty, living by his famous quote: "It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." Buffett consistently demonstrates transparency by openly acknowledging mistakes and inviting others to do the same. His authenticity has built unshakable trust with investors, partners, and the public over decades. This transparency extends beyond business decisions to personal conduct. Despite his wealth, Buffett maintains a modest lifestyle in the same Omaha home he purchased in 1958. He drives his own car, eats at local restaurants, and remains accessible. This consistency between public and private personas reinforces his authenticity and deepens trust with everyone he encounters. Developing authenticity requires courage—the courage to admit when you're wrong, when you're struggling, or when you simply don't know. During interviews at Vanderbloemen Search Group, candidates who acknowledge past failures with humility immediately stand out. One young pastor candidly shared his early mistakes with inappropriate internet content, explaining the counseling he sought and lessons learned. Rather than diminishing him, this transparency demonstrated maturity and self-awareness that impressed interviewers far more than a polished but incomplete narrative would have. To cultivate authenticity, start by being honest about your mistakes without oversharing. Practice admitting when you're struggling rather than projecting artificial perfection. Remember that authenticity doesn't mean unfiltered expression of every thought—it means aligning your outward behavior with your inner values and being truthful about both your strengths and limitations. The paradox of authenticity is that while it feels vulnerable, it actually builds resilience. As one survey respondent noted, "When we are authentic, we help break down walls that keep us from being approachable." This approachability creates psychological safety for others, who then respond with greater trust, loyalty, and grace.

Chapter 3: Develop Remarkable Agility in a Changing World

The world is changing faster than ever, yet will never again change this slowly. In this constant flux, agility—the ability to adapt and thrive amid shifting circumstances—has become an essential quality for success in every arena of life. Consider Ursula Burns, who rose from intern to CEO at Xerox, becoming the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Growing up in New York's Lower East Side housing projects, Burns never imagined becoming a corporate executive. Her Catholic school education suggested three career paths: teacher, nurse, or nun. None appealed to her, so she chose chemical engineering purely for its earning potential. Burns accepted every challenge that came her way, adapting to new roles and responsibilities with remarkable flexibility. When asked about this journey, she simply stated: "The best way to change it is to do it. Right? And then after a while you become it, and it's easy." Burns' story illustrates how agility enables career transformation. Rather than resisting change, she embraced it, developing new skills and perspectives at each stage. When Xerox faced technological disruption and financial crisis, Burns led a dramatic transformation, shifting the company from manufacturing to services. This agility saved the company and positioned it for future success. Developing agility begins with accepting that change is inevitable. Jonathan H., a survey respondent, explains: "The quicker you realize the fact of the new reality, the more quickly you can move forward in it." This acceptance requires humility—the willingness to set aside ego and admit when current approaches aren't working. As Dave H. advises: "Practice humility to ensure you aren't tied to your pathway. If things need to change, making sure your idea isn't tied to your value helps you to be much more agile." To build your agility muscle, deliberately seek new experiences that stretch your comfort zone. Learn a new skill, develop a hobby unrelated to your profession, or study a period of history that interests you. When faced with changes at work, practice asking "how might we?" rather than immediately objecting. Treat new situations as experiments—if they work, continue; if not, adjust or try something entirely different. Remember that agility thrives on diversity of thought and experience. Surrounding yourself with people of different backgrounds, ages, and perspectives enhances your ability to adapt. The most agile teams incorporate multiple viewpoints, creating resilience against unexpected challenges and opportunities for innovation that homogeneous groups might miss.

Chapter 4: Master Problem-Solving: Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

In any situation, people generally fall into one of two categories: those who dwell on problems and those who focus on solutions. The difference between these mindsets creates dramatically different outcomes in work and life. Kevin Plank, founder of Under Armour, exemplifies the solution-focused approach. As a college football player in the late 1990s, Plank was frustrated by cotton athletic shirts that became heavy and uncomfortable with sweat. Rather than merely complaining, he channeled this frustration into innovation, researching synthetic fabrics that could perform better. Working with limited resources, Plank developed prototype shirts and tested them with teammates and friends. Even when facing slow initial sales—just $17,000 in his first year—Plank maintained his solution orientation. Recognizing that his challenge was market awareness, he made a bold move, investing nearly everything he had in a $25,000 full-page advertisement in ESPN The Magazine. This calculated risk paid off dramatically, with sales exceeding $1 million the following year. Today, Under Armour is a global brand worth billions, all because Plank consistently approached challenges by asking "how can I solve this?" rather than dwelling on obstacles. This solution mindset creates a virtuous cycle. Successful problem-solvers experience the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, which motivates them to tackle even bigger problems. As Steve B., a survey respondent, explains: "Bringing solutions is extremely gratifying. Seeing others benefit from concepts and strategies I have found and developed brings joy to my work and life." To develop your problem-solving abilities, start by shifting your language. When issues arise, immediately ask: "What can we do about this?" rather than "Who caused this?" or "Why is this happening?" This subtle shift redirects energy from blame to progress. Paul S. suggests: "Try to narrow the questions to the most salient issues, identifying the core challenges and determining potential solutions. Try to cull out the extraneous material that doesn't move us toward a solution." Another powerful technique is breaking large problems into smaller components. Susan C., a software engineer, shares: "Some tasks seem insurmountable at first. I have learned over the years that taking a large problem and breaking it down into a series of smaller problems is highly beneficial. If I can solve each of the smaller problems, the big problem is solved." Remember that effective problem-solving often requires collaboration. While individual effort matters, the best solutions frequently emerge from diverse perspectives working together. Practice saying "we" instead of "I" when discussing both challenges and achievements, recognizing that sustainable solutions rarely come from solitary effort.

Chapter 5: Cultivate Self-Awareness: Know Your Strengths and Limitations

In a world of constant noise and distraction, developing genuine self-awareness—knowing your strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and impact on others—has become both rare and invaluable. This clarity about who you are creates a foundation for every other aspect of professional and personal growth. Lynsi Snyder, president and CEO of In-N-Out Burger, demonstrates how self-awareness drives sustainable success. Becoming a billionaire on her thirty-fifth birthday, Snyder could have pursued radical changes to the beloved burger chain her grandparents founded in 1948. Instead, her self-awareness guided a different approach: "I really wanted to make sure that we stayed true to what we started with. That required me to become a protector," she explained in a Forbes interview. This commitment to the company's core identity—a simple menu executed with excellence—has maintained In-N-Out's passionate customer base while competitors chase trends. Equally important is Snyder's awareness of what makes employees thrive. Recognizing that happy customers begin with engaged staff, she ensures In-N-Out pays substantially above industry standards, with managers earning around $160,000 annually. This self-aware leadership has earned Snyder regular appearances on Glassdoor's best bosses list. Developing self-awareness begins with humility—acknowledging that you don't have all the answers. As one survey respondent, Jacob B., succinctly put it: "Humility is the key to being self-aware." This humility creates space for honest self-reflection and openness to feedback from others. Michael L. shared how this process transformed his leadership: "During the early days of my ministry, I made a mistake with an older, retired minister. Instead of listening to him and his ideas, I insisted on my own. When he pulled back from supporting me, I spoke to my mentor who helpfully gave me hard, but helpful, advice and criticism. I went back to the older minister, admitted my mistakes and shortcomings, and then closed my mouth and listened." To enhance your self-awareness, actively seek feedback from those who know you well. Steve W. recommends asking this powerful question: "What is it like to be on the other side of me?" When people trust that you genuinely want to grow, their insights become invaluable. Susan D. adds: "I always ask employees, 'What can I do better?' I always want input. Learning to be self-aware also removes my defensiveness. I always want to be a better manager, coworker, friend, parent." Equally important is recognizing your limitations without being defined by them. As Megan C. observes: "Knowing your limitations is the easiest and most effective way to achieve your goals. When you overstretch and overtalk your ability to do something, you and your team will take the hit when the outcome doesn't line up with your words. It is better to commit and do well in three areas than to overcommit and have ten other areas of failure." Self-awareness ultimately leads to greater happiness and effectiveness. As Scott M. reflects: "I had to go through the tough process of learning about myself so that I not only could lead better but enjoy my life more, with the people I love."

Chapter 6: Connect Meaningfully: Building Relationships That Matter

In a world where digital connections proliferate but genuine relationships seem increasingly rare, the ability to forge meaningful human connections has become a superpower. These authentic relationships create opportunities, solve problems, and enrich lives in ways that superficial networking cannot. Keith Ferrazzi, bestselling author and entrepreneur, demonstrates the transformative power of meaningful connection. Growing up as the son of a Pittsburgh steelworker during the industry's decline, Ferrazzi witnessed how disconnection between management and workers prevented valuable ideas from reaching decision-makers. This early experience inspired his lifelong commitment to building bridges between people and organizations. Ferrazzi's own journey exemplifies how authentic connections create extraordinary opportunities. Despite humble beginnings, he cultivated relationships with professors, mentors, and executives who recognized his potential. During an internship at Deloitte, he went beyond expectations, even approaching the CEO to request additional projects. Within three years of graduating business school, Ferrazzi became the company's Chief Marketing Officer. His subsequent success as an author and entrepreneur stems directly from his ability to develop genuine relationships across diverse backgrounds and industries. Building meaningful connections begins with authenticity. Rather than approaching relationships transactionally, focus on genuine interest in others. As Brian M. advises: "I tell people that the best investment is in people. At the end of the day, it is those trust relationships and people you poured into who will take care of you and keep you living abundantly and generously." Quality connections require both time and intention. Chris H. shares practical strategies: "Use the search feature on Twitter/LinkedIn to find like-minded professionals in your industry. When you find them, connect with them, and thank them for connecting with you." He adds that when someone requests a conversation, "Don't delay; connect with them as soon as you can. Those conversations of getting to know each other and swapping ideas are priceless." Remember that meaningful connections thrive when you give more than you take. Conrad W. explains: "I've learned to give more than I take; this is how investing in people works. If you develop a reputation for being a taker, you'll soon have no connections, and your reputation will precede you. People talk. But if you choose to give, your generosity creates buzz and enables you to make connections you may not otherwise have access to." Finally, expand your connections beyond your immediate circle. DeAnna S. shares: "Learning from different cultures and ethnic groups has expanded my knowledge and understanding of people, helping me to better approach challenges and find solutions." These diverse perspectives enrich both your personal growth and professional effectiveness.

Chapter 7: Pursue Purpose: Aligning Your Work With Your Why

When you align your daily actions with a deeper sense of purpose, extraordinary things happen. Purpose transforms routine tasks into meaningful contributions, mundane careers into callings, and average performers into unstoppable forces. This alignment between what you do and why you do it separates those who merely work from those who truly thrive. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, exemplifies the transformative power of purpose-driven work. As the daughter of refugees, Saujani grew up with deep gratitude for opportunities and a strong desire to give back. Observing the gender gap in technology—both in education and employment—she recognized an opportunity to address multiple challenges simultaneously: gender inequality, economic opportunity, and technological innovation. Saujani's purpose crystallized around a powerful belief: "If we want to cure cancer, we have to teach girls to code. If we want to do something about climate change, we have to teach girls to code. If we want to solve homelessness in our city and our country, teach girls to code. They're change makers." This clear, compelling purpose has guided every aspect of her organization's growth, inspiring thousands of girls to enter technology fields and changing the trajectory of countless lives. Developing your own sense of purpose begins with self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like: What problems do I feel compelled to solve? When do I lose track of time because I'm so engaged? What would I still do even if I weren't paid? The answers reveal clues to your authentic purpose. As Joe M., a survey respondent, advises: "I had a mentor who really helped me get a grasp on what purpose driven is. He told me to always search for the why." Once you've identified your purpose, distill it into language that resonates deeply. Brian M. shares: "I've boiled my purpose down into two words. This helps bring the why to new team members quickly and clearly. Because it's been simplified to two words, I can use it as a gauge by asking my team members what we do. If they answer with the two words, then they understand." Purpose requires regular reconnection. Gary R. explains: "I daily remind myself of my why. I do this progressing from a generalized sense of purpose to my unique, specific purpose. This centers my mind and my soul and refocuses my goals for the day. It helps me stop the purposeless daydreaming, which creatives are notorious for, and instead helps me envision the best ways to meet my purpose." Finally, align your environment with your purpose whenever possible. Seek organizations whose mission complements your personal why. When Adam J. found this alignment, he discovered that "knowing the motivation of why you work and keeping it at the forefront of your mind each day eventually changes the way you make decisions, prioritize, manage time; it even impacts emotional responses to work like resiliency and satisfaction."

Summary

The journey to becoming extraordinary isn't about perfection—it's about developing the twelve specific traits that separate the irreplaceable from the replaceable. From responding quickly to leading with authenticity, from developing agility to pursuing purpose, each characteristic builds upon the others to create something truly remarkable. As William Vanderbloemen discovered through thirty thousand interviews, these traits aren't innate gifts reserved for a lucky few—they're learnable skills available to anyone committed to growth. Your path forward begins with a simple choice: identify which of these twelve traits you already possess and which need development. Choose one area to focus on this week. Perhaps practice responding more quickly to messages, or ask trusted colleagues for feedback about your blind spots. As Vanderbloemen writes, "If you want to stand out in a crowd, and if you can spot someone who is authentic, you've spotted someone who stands out of the crowd." The world needs your unique contributions, delivered with excellence that makes you truly irreplaceable. Start today.

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John C. Maxwell

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