5 Gears

About the Author

Jeremie Kubicek is a renowned leadership expert and co-founder of GiANT Worldwide and the GiANT companies. He is a best-selling author known for his impactful book, Making Your Leadership Come Alive. With a focus on leadership development and creating transformational experiences, Kubicek has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.

Steve Cockram, also a co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, is a sought-after speaker and teacher specializing in apprenticeship, personality development, and team building. Cockram's expertise lies in understanding and nurturing the dynamics within teams to foster better connectivity and productivity.

Main Idea

5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There Is Never Enough Time introduces the concept of "gears" or mindsets that help individuals navigate different aspects of their day. By understanding and applying these gears, you can improve relational intelligence, increase influence, and enhance productivity. The book aims to teach you how to shift into the right gear at the right time, fostering deeper connections and greater presence in both personal and professional settings.

Table of Contents

1. Connectivity
2. 5 Gears for Practical Connection
3. Living and Leading Connected

Connectivity

The authors emphasize the importance of connectivity in our fast-paced lives. They argue that we often "drive" through life at high speeds, neglecting meaningful connections with those around us. This disconnection can lead to personal and professional discord, undermining our influence and happiness.

Driving Too Fast highlights how we inadvertently run over others by being consumed by our schedules and agendas. This section urges readers to recognize the moments when they are not present and the impact this has on their relationships.

"When someone feels the pressure of a deadline or fears the roar of a boss's voice, it is natural to shift focus to alleviating the immediate concern rather than focus on our long-term relationships." — Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram

• Identify when you tend to run people over.
• Assess the impact of your disconnection on those around you.
• Reflect on your priorities and how they align with your actions.

Disconnections discusses the social behaviors that create disconnections and the resulting consequences. The authors explain that true connectivity involves a combination of emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental presence.

"Connectivity is directly related to peace, productivity and personal happiness. When you connect deeply with someone, a peace of mind and sense of gratitude occurs." — Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram

To achieve this connectivity, it is essential to be still and present in the moment, focusing on improving the quality of our lives and leadership through the art and science of connectivity.

5 Gears for Practical Connection

This section introduces the metaphor of gears to describe different modes of connecting through living, leading, working, and resting. Each gear represents a specific mindset or activity that helps achieve better relational dynamics.

1st Gear - Learning to Recharge

1st gear is about being fully recharged. It is the foundation for all other gears, emphasizing the importance of rest and renewal to be present and productive. The authors highlight different ways individuals can recharge, tailored to their personality types (introverts vs. extroverts).

• Sleeping
• Reading
• Exercise
• Devotions
• Meditation
• Time to pursue individual hobbies

"True rest allows you to come fully alive. Following the battery-recharging kind of rest, you smell the roses, notice the birds, feel the air and enjoy your relationships." — Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram

Understanding how to recharge effectively is crucial. Introverts typically recharge by seeking solitude and engaging in activities that allow them to reflect and regenerate energy from within. Extroverts, on the other hand, often find their energy replenished by external sources, such as social interactions and lively activities.

recharging activities for introverts:

• Taking long walks or runs alone
• Reading novels or engaging in quiet hobbies like gardening
• Practicing meditation or mindfulness exercises

recharging activities for extroverts:

• Attending social gatherings or networking events
• Engaging in lively discussions or brainstorming sessions
• Participating in group sports or team activities

The key takeaway is to recognize your own needs for recharging and to ensure you incorporate those activities into your daily routine.

2nd Gear - Connecting Deeply

2nd gear focuses on meaningful connections with others. It is about spending time with family, friends, or colleagues without the pressure of being productive. The authors provide tips on how to create these connections and the psychological benefits of being at peace with those closest to you.