Be the Unicorn

About the Author

William Vanderbloemen is a distinguished author, speaker, and founder of an executive search firm. Throughout his career, Vanderbloemen has dedicated himself to studying and understanding the qualities that make exceptional leaders stand out. His work is grounded in extensive data collection and analysis, allowing him to identify key habits that differentiate the best from the rest. In Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, he shares his insights, aiming to help readers develop these qualities and achieve their own unique success.

Main Idea

The central theme of Be the Unicorn revolves around the concept of becoming a "Unicorn" – a rare and exceptional individual who possesses qualities that make them stand out in any environment. Vanderbloemen identifies twelve habits that these Unicorns exhibit, each contributing to their remarkable success. Through practical advice and data-driven insights, he encourages readers to cultivate these habits to elevate their personal and professional lives.

Table of Contents

1. The Fast
2. The Authentic
3. The Agile
4. The Solver
5. The Anticipator
6. The Prepared
7. The Self-Aware
8. The Curious
9. The Connected
10. The Likable
11. The Productive
12. The Purpose Driven

The Fast

Speed wins. In both business and personal relationships, responsiveness is crucial. Being quick to respond can significantly impact success, as it demonstrates eagerness and commitment. However, this trait is not just about saying yes to everything. It's about making swift, confident decisions without overthinking. Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers to speed, such as access to opportunities and overcoming fear. Speed is not merely an innate trait but a cultivated habit that requires practice and determination.

"Thinking is valuable. Overthinking is not." – William Vanderbloemen

To cultivate this habit:

• Ensure accessibility to messages and opportunities.
• Overcome the fear that paralyzes decision-making.
• Embrace rapid response as a practice, not a natural inclination.

The Authentic

In today's transparent world, authenticity sets individuals apart. Authentic people are honest about their successes and failures, which makes them more relatable and trustworthy. Embracing authenticity involves admitting mistakes with humility and moving on. Vanderbloemen points out that authenticity is becoming a key differentiator in the professional world, where polished images often mask reality.

"Authentic people have a way of sharing their mistakes with humility, bringing people together." – William Vanderbloemen

To be authentic:

• Share examples of personal failures and lessons learned.
• Maintain honesty in high-stakes situations, such as job interviews.
• Avoid the pressure to present a perfect image.

The Agile

Agility is essential in a constantly changing world. Agile individuals adapt quickly, embrace change, and innovate. This trait was particularly evident during the pandemic, where businesses that pivoted successfully thrived. Vanderbloemen highlights that agility is not just about flexibility but also about positive problem-solving and efficient processes.

"Pivoting and innovating were the difference between thriving and folding when COVID-19 suddenly changed the way we lived." – William Vanderbloemen

To develop agility:

• Simplify projects and avoid unnecessary meetings.
• Encourage easy tweaks to the status quo.
• Celebrate successful adaptations and changes.

The Solver

Solvers focus on solutions rather than problems. They refuse to be victims and work collaboratively to overcome challenges. Solvers are particularly valuable in fast-paced and uncertain environments. Vanderbloemen explains that solving problems in a group, despite being challenging, leads to innovation and success.

"Solving problems in a group can be threatening, exhausting, and frustrating, but studies show that, when done right, group projects lead to innovation that wouldn’t otherwise happen." – William Vanderbloemen

To cultivate a Solver mentality:

• Encourage humility and lifelong learning.
• Celebrate victories and give credit where due.
• Rebrand "problems" as "possibilities."

The Anticipator

Anticipators have the ability to foresee what's coming next. This skill involves understanding oneself, one's history, and surroundings. While anticipation requires practice, it can be developed by focusing on immediate surroundings and trends. Vanderbloemen emphasizes that anticipation is not about psychic abilities but about using the brain's natural predictive functions.

"In a very real sense, predictions are just your brain having a conversation with itself." – Lisa Feldman Barret

To enhance anticipation:

• Know yourself and your environment.
• Practice adjusting quickly to unforeseen events.
• Maintain a calm and collected demeanor.

The Prepared

Prepared individuals have a significant advantage because they do their homework and are ready for any situation. Preparation involves thorough research and anticipating potential challenges. Vanderbloemen asserts that being prepared is a hallmark of successful leaders and professionals.

"Luck happens to the prepared." – William Vanderbloemen

To cultivate preparedness:

• Encourage comprehensive opposition research.
• Practice constructive criticism to prepare for all scenarios.
• Do thorough homework before meetings and presentations.

The Self-Aware

Self-awareness is a rare yet essential trait. It involves understanding one's strengths and weaknesses and being honest with oneself. Self-aware individuals are better positioned for success and capable of finding solutions to challenges. Vanderbloemen notes that self-awareness is not just about self-knowledge but also about humility and the ability to see beyond oneself.

"Know thyself." – Socrates

To develop self-awareness:

• Practice humility and patience.
• Trust others to provide feedback.
• Learn your limits and push yourself to grow.

The Curious

Curiosity drives discovery and success. It involves a genuine interest in the world and a willingness to ask questions. Curiosity is a natural trait that can be cultivated by engaging with the world and embracing new experiences. Vanderbloemen emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity throughout life.