Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest Hardcover – November 14, 2023

This book was absolutely incredible. I loved the way it was set up, the multitude of examples, it’s use of broad examples from many walks of life, and the easy to digest concepts explored in each chapter. What I learned from this book is that I do many of these things and that is very helpful to now because now I can work on the attributes that I would like to be stronger. It also allows me to have more empathy for people who may not have the same attributes that come so easily to me. I will definitely go back and reread this book many times! At least now I know how I get so much done with such efficiency: I AM a Unicorn!

Genuinely amazing book that helps you discover you and ways to become a better professional. Truly happy that I spent the time to read this book.

Good read, thought it would be more leadership focused but still good for improving yourself and setting better goals.

William Vanderbloemen’s latest book, “Be the Unicorn: Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest,” is a goldmine of information. He gets right at what the best leaders do and how they think. With a plethora of examples from business, non-profits and church life, he illustrates twelve traits and habits.What turns my crank is that his observations are based on 30,000 interviews with leaders. This gives the book a razor-sharp edge on seeing things that effective leaders do well. William’s quotes and short case studies illustrate his twelve points with great clarity.Here is how I applied two of the habits and traits. Read the book to get the other ten.The Authentic—17% of the Unicorns identified most with being Authentic. That is about double from any of the other categories. It is also a blow to me. That means that 17% of the people are strong in Authenticity, while I have to work all the time just to get an average grade. This fact underscores one of William’s tenets, that you won’t be strong at everything but good habits can help you become stronger. “The Unicorns hold a skill set that can be learned. What we’ve discovered in our research is that people have skills that can be developed by anyone” (p. xviii). There is hope for me to continue to grow in this area!In working on this area, my wife and I began to change one small thing. A server in a restaurant, for example, might ask, “How are you?” We would each reply but then ask, “And how are you?” I asked this of an older Hispanic woman who was an assistant to the waiter. She stopped pouring the water. She looked around the room and replied, “Of all the people here, you are the only one to ask me that!” That made working on this trait all the sweeter.The Solver—1% of the Unicorns identified most with being a Solver. That is my sweet spot and I enjoyed how William talked about my strengths! We all like it when someone speaks into what we do well. However, I also had to realize that there are not many Solvers out there. So my approach needs to be gentle, not going straight to solutions, but helping people get there at their own speed. “The ability to keep your head in a panicked, rushed situation will set you apart from the crowd” (p. 56) and “Solving problems in a group can be threatening, exhausting, and frustrating, but … lead to innovation that wouldn’t otherwise have happened” (p. 59).“Be the Unicorn” is a helpful and practical book for all leaders. William provides action-oriented steps along the way to grow in areas of strength and lassitude. This book is a blockbuster for all who want to be the best that they can be.David Fletcher

I enjoyed the book and in my professional career I agree that the traits listed in the book are certainly desirable in any candidate. My main issue though is the book says the habits are data driven but the book doesn’t really provide data to support its claims. The only data point is the same survey of leaders who identify with one of the 12 traits. I thought the data would be more specific and helpful in showing why these 12 traits are helpful.

IF YOU WANT TO BE OF GREAT VALUE TO YOUR CAREER OR YOUR HOME, YOU NEED THIS BOOK. LEARN WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN DEALING WITH THE BUSINESS ASPECT OF HOME OR WORK. BE STRONG IN YOUR PLACE OF PROFESSION AND IN YOUR FAMILY. CUT TO THE CHASE AND GET TO THE POINT.

Great book!

Gives motivation in the workplace.