Chapman's, White's and Myra's Sync or Swim ~ Reviewed

Sync or Swim: A Fable About Workplace Communication and Coming Together in a Crisis
by Gary D Chapman, Paul E. White, Harold Myra
Hardcover – November 1, 2014

Hardcover: 112 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802412238

Description:

Sam, the new CEO, was ready to hit the ground running. But his team members-and Mother Nature-had other plans. An ambitious yet naïve sheepdog is called upon to lead Monarch Enterprises-a troubled organization on a beautiful isle. Confronted with broken systems and challenging personality types, Sam must learn how to marshal his team before the imminent storm washes everything away. Along the way, he gleans valuable lessons from an unlikely mentor-a wise, old puffin.

Sync or Swim is a small tale with enormous insight on ways you can empower, engage, and energize employees or volunteers facing discouragement or cynicism. It's a delightful, quick read that will:

• teach you communication techniques that enhance teamwork and productivity;
• bring to life the principles used by hundreds of successful organizations;
• provide relevant, practical insights based on real-world experiences; and
• stimulate lively and positive interaction (discussion guide included).

Based on the principles successfully used by major corporations, health organizations, over 250 colleges and universities, government agencies, churches and non-profits.

Review: 

Sync or Swim is business fable model of what the Five Love Languages/personality type awareness can do in a professional setting. The characters in this quick read are animals with personality types that are characteristic of the portrayed animal. In addition, each character has distinct triggers that can either be flipped by a shrewd, respectful manager to bring more energy and teamwork, or switched off by a clumsy or clueless one.

This clever, simple book offers effective information. However, even though the wisdom in the book is simply explained it's up to individuals within the company to care enough to utilize the methods suggested and unselfish enough to recognize that everyone is needed to pull off the big, ultimate goal. I don't see it being useful as a tool dispensed to all leaders in an organization unless the upper management does some of the work to prepare the ground for acceptance by the middle managers and employees.

The simplicity of the book could be a huge asset in companies or organizations where there is resistance to read heavier how-to-books. This fable could be a great small group tool for any organization that desires to work cohesively to pull off big or important projects.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer