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Sync or Swim: A Fable About Workplace Communication and Coming Together in a Crisis
Working with a discouraged, disorganized, cynical team? Learn how to turn it around. 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. 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 a wise, old puffin. This delightful, quick read Based on the principles successfully used by major corporations, health organizations, over 250 colleges and universities, government agencies, churches, and non-profits
112 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2014
32 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Gary Chapman
562 books3,504 followersGary Demonte Chapman is an American author and radio talk show host. Chapman is most noted for his The Five Love Languages series regarding human relationships.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 9, 2024
A fable for leaders on how to manage a team of individuals with different characteristics, strengths, interests and abilities.
“Affirmation is crucial to effectiveness.”
Lessons around effective communication, servant leadership, and seeking mentorship and advice.
Nothing groundbreaking in my opinion.
“Affirmation is crucial to effectiveness.”
Lessons around effective communication, servant leadership, and seeking mentorship and advice.
Nothing groundbreaking in my opinion.
October 21, 2014
Here is a harmless little book that sets out to teach us a better way of communicating in our workplace through a “refreshing, illustrated story of a sheepdog and a puffin”. Sadly it didn’t really “sync” with this author and thus it swam far out of reach. It might work for you…?
One has to be desperately fair. This book could be like humour. It either appeals to you or it doesn’t. To this reviewer it just seemed far off mark, something he couldn’t really gel with. It might even be similar to some television programmes that you are neutral to at first view and come to rediscover later on and really love.
The price is not particularly expensive to make this book feel over-valued. It mostly depends on whether you can establish a connection and sync with it. If you do, it might open your eyes and be a great help. If you don’t connect, it might just seem pointless, scrambled and devoid of a purpose.
So this reviewer can’t say it is bad yet he can’t say it is good. It is different, without a doubt, yet different can be positive or negative dependent on your viewpoint and valuation. How is that for balanced indecision?
Sync of Swim: A Fable About Workplace Communication and Coming Together in a Crisis, by Gary D. Chapman, Paul E. White & Harold Myra and published by Moody Publishers/Northfield Publishing. ISBN 9780802412232, 112 pages. YYY.
March 26, 2021
An apathetic employee. The cynical, frustrated colleague. The unengaged manager. It seems like we have all worked with at least one of these individuals at some point in our career. But when you are tapped to become the leader, you probably have grand goals of being better than all those underwhelming people that came before you. But to do so, you’ve got to learn how to communicate effectively. I’ve got just the book to show you how!
If you are a newly minted supervisor or manager, Sync or Swim should be the first book you read. Here you’ll learn the art of listening with an open heart and mind. This book is powerful in thought and shows you how to effectively execute communication within your team.
My first thought while reading this book was, “Do I listen?” My second thought was, “How can I become a great listener?” For certain, listening with an open mind is not always as easy as it sounds. Although I recognize the need to take myself out of the equation, I sometimes feel I lose ground when it comes to the objective at hand.
As I was reminded recently, people who are driven are often those in management positions. Yet, it is how they empower, encourage and engage those who report to them that makes the difference.
Sync or Swim brings this thought home by teaching a lesson in listening via a wise, old puffin to an ambitious, naïve sheepdog. Along the way many personality types come to the fore which can sometimes be difficult to handle, but are not insurmountable. It is all in how you marshal your troops!
If you’ve been looking for a fresh perspective on how to get your team to open up, trust, and communicate with an ear to understand rather than the goal to dominate, this little thin volume is just the book for you. It tells the story of life within an organization in terms anyone can understand and relate to, and is filled with plenty of “Aha!” moments. You may very well read it in one sitting, but the lessons it teaches you will last a lifetime.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com.
If you are a newly minted supervisor or manager, Sync or Swim should be the first book you read. Here you’ll learn the art of listening with an open heart and mind. This book is powerful in thought and shows you how to effectively execute communication within your team.
My first thought while reading this book was, “Do I listen?” My second thought was, “How can I become a great listener?” For certain, listening with an open mind is not always as easy as it sounds. Although I recognize the need to take myself out of the equation, I sometimes feel I lose ground when it comes to the objective at hand.
As I was reminded recently, people who are driven are often those in management positions. Yet, it is how they empower, encourage and engage those who report to them that makes the difference.
Sync or Swim brings this thought home by teaching a lesson in listening via a wise, old puffin to an ambitious, naïve sheepdog. Along the way many personality types come to the fore which can sometimes be difficult to handle, but are not insurmountable. It is all in how you marshal your troops!
If you’ve been looking for a fresh perspective on how to get your team to open up, trust, and communicate with an ear to understand rather than the goal to dominate, this little thin volume is just the book for you. It tells the story of life within an organization in terms anyone can understand and relate to, and is filled with plenty of “Aha!” moments. You may very well read it in one sitting, but the lessons it teaches you will last a lifetime.
As originally published at JathanandHeather.com.
May 15, 2019
I read the Kindle edition of this book.
Targeted at team leaders or managers, Sync or Swim is told as a fable with a good message on showing true appreciation for employees, and then follows up with a series of questions which could be used in a leadership seminar or similar training environment.
The messages in Sync or Swim really resonated with me. My employer has gone through many different recognition programs, and for the most part they have flopped. Many of the issues described really hit home. While highlighting how people fail to communicate appreciation, the book is just too short to really help. It turns out that the fable is actually a commercial for other works by the authors which dive into similar subjects in a more traditional way.
As a manager, I found the book worth reading. As an employee, it really points out how by my managers and employer are at this kind of thing.
Recommended.
Targeted at team leaders or managers, Sync or Swim is told as a fable with a good message on showing true appreciation for employees, and then follows up with a series of questions which could be used in a leadership seminar or similar training environment.
The messages in Sync or Swim really resonated with me. My employer has gone through many different recognition programs, and for the most part they have flopped. Many of the issues described really hit home. While highlighting how people fail to communicate appreciation, the book is just too short to really help. It turns out that the fable is actually a commercial for other works by the authors which dive into similar subjects in a more traditional way.
As a manager, I found the book worth reading. As an employee, it really points out how by my managers and employer are at this kind of thing.
Recommended.
September 27, 2023
This is a fable about a number of animals who work together that sheds light on how co-workers react differently and have various things that motivate them. It’s about building and maintaining a culture in the workforce and fostering good communication. Sam the sheepdog is the new CEO of the company that is facing a potential storm disaster so he’s working his way through meeting everyone to learn about their roles and how they may be able to help.
It was a quick and easy read and made me think about people that I work with who have similar characteristics to the animals in the fable.
I’m planning on reading it again to see if I pick up on anything else.
Would rate it more of a 3-1/2 stars.
It was a quick and easy read and made me think about people that I work with who have similar characteristics to the animals in the fable.
I’m planning on reading it again to see if I pick up on anything else.
Would rate it more of a 3-1/2 stars.
May 30, 2017
I finished and enjoyed the Daniel, "The Monk who Sold His Ferrari" and was looking for another fable to read. I've never read fables before so when this one mentioned talking animals I thought "ok Julia, just read it and judge it afterwards".
After a while you forget that they are animals and I could picture them as real people. In fact, I was visualising some of the characters in the book with people that I know in life.
There are some very strong messages in this book, and how you deal with people as a leader can sink a business or make a company fly. The choice is yours.
A quick but highly effective read.
After a while you forget that they are animals and I could picture them as real people. In fact, I was visualising some of the characters in the book with people that I know in life.
There are some very strong messages in this book, and how you deal with people as a leader can sink a business or make a company fly. The choice is yours.
A quick but highly effective read.
March 9, 2019
Big fan of 5 love languages! I read this book in one sitting. This book is idle for leaders but as a team member, I still appreciate this book. This gives me the bigger picture of toxic workplace where I have been before. After reading first few chapters, I was wondering is there any way to get out of this toxic workplace? It is impossible to change people talking bad about leader, especially in the toxic environment (it backfires). But I read the step by step guide and how everything turns out right in the end. Obviously after putting efforts. It seemed so natural and real. I definitely learned from this book. Thank you!
January 27, 2021
I listened to the audio book and it was pretty straight forward. I love the characters in the story as they were all very relatable.
I learnt that tone of language and body language when speaking can communicate a lot more than the words.
I also learnt that when it comes to team work, understanding the individuality of all those involved is key to effective work
I learnt that tone of language and body language when speaking can communicate a lot more than the words.
I also learnt that when it comes to team work, understanding the individuality of all those involved is key to effective work
February 20, 2022
New in leadership
As a new leader I want to do my best in supporting employees. Supporting them in doing their work, appreciating who they are and their work & how they want to receive that and how to support them in growing themselves.
This book brings real life scenarios into an easy read.
As a new leader I want to do my best in supporting employees. Supporting them in doing their work, appreciating who they are and their work & how they want to receive that and how to support them in growing themselves.
This book brings real life scenarios into an easy read.
April 26, 2023
I hated the writing style. This leadership 'book' gained nothing by being dressed up as a childish fable. This was a short article that was painfully stretched into a poorly written book. You can read page 81, 89, 94-96 and get the full concepts in a fraction of the time. Basically 1) Know your people & 2) Tailor your approach in a way that will be most impactful for them.
February 5, 2019
The 5 Love Languages of the Workplace
A spin on Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages” in the context of workplace appreciation and morale. Would highly recommend for people who work in organizations where they are in direct supervisory positions of paid or volunteer staff.
A spin on Chapman’s “The 5 Love Languages” in the context of workplace appreciation and morale. Would highly recommend for people who work in organizations where they are in direct supervisory positions of paid or volunteer staff.
April 2, 2019
If you are new to works involving Gary Chapman, this fable might bring you insights into his other works such as his numerous pieces on The 5 Love Languages. This piece serves to only provide a cute, fictional story highlighting learning and succeeding at using those techniques.
November 17, 2019
This is a good and short book that helps leaders recognize that every person is different and needs affirmation in their own unique way. If you’re familiar with Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, you’ll see the application of those principles in this book.
July 15, 2020
I wanted a refund. It's like a chidren's book about running a business featuring animal characters. Mostly about how to deal with whiny employees. I could see how this might be useful for someone but that person is not me.
April 27, 2021
Not sure why I bought this...
It wasn’t bad and was interesting.
Not likely something I’d re-read tho.
Not new news either.
I guess it’s a refresher if you’ve read any modern management book that is a bit light hearted given that half is a fable.
It wasn’t bad and was interesting.
Not likely something I’d re-read tho.
Not new news either.
I guess it’s a refresher if you’ve read any modern management book that is a bit light hearted given that half is a fable.
December 30, 2018
Fun, quick read that reminds you of danger zones when trying to influence others admist change.
May 22, 2018
A quick way to learn or review the affects of workplace appreciation.
March 23, 2019
A very short read; a workplace application of the 5 love languages. If you know those already, this doesn't add any new content.
December 29, 2019
Interesting, relatable & eye-opening.
December 28, 2020
The book was a great fable and story telling explanation of the 5 languages of appreciation in the workplace.
January 22, 2021
After reading “Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace”, this book didn’t really speak to me as much. It felt a little repetitive. It was ok though. Fast read
Read
July 26, 2021Very insightful ideas and concepts to remember when leading a group of individuals.
December 26, 2021
A fable that translates to real life in how to communicate with employees in their own language and how to come together during a crisis. A great short read.
March 26, 2022
A decent fable with a few very good lessons.
February 23, 2023
It’s fine. Basic story applying love languages to turn a company around. Everyone needs their own tailored outreach of appreciation.
May 25, 2023
Quick read. Highlights interpersonal communication skills in a fable. A nice refresher with some practical tips
February 9, 2021
A good refresher on how each person is different and how to understand such differences when we are in a workplace
December 18, 2014
Motivating people on the job is a tricky task. If there is a culture of cynicism or complaining that pervades the workplace, breaking the cycle can take all the skills a leader can muster and more.
This is the problem addressed in Sync or Swim. Using the form of a fable, this brief book offers some useful principles for turning a culture around.
Sam the Shetland sheepdog faces a wide array of challenges as the new head of Monarch Enterprises, an entertainment company running a resort. Besides dealing with financial difficulties, he has quite a menagerie to lead.
Frisco is a gruff old bear who has lost faith in management. Jackson is a not so eager beaver who doesn’t think the executives have a clue what his job is about. Alana is a flamboyant, colorful bird who is a power center all on her own, with her own independent channel to the board. The old turtle, Henry, is nearing retirement after years as comptroller.
Sam, making mistakes along the way, still has to rally this group to face the storm that is about to hit their facilities, shoring up the levee and caring for vacationers. With some advice from a wise old Puffin, they pull through.
One of the strengths of the book is that everything does not tie up into a nice neat package. Problems remain even after the crisis is past. This is life in its messiness. While the book offers answers, it doesn’t pretend to be the total solution to all problems. This gives the book an authenticity and honesty that makes it more believable.
Recommended for leadership teams who want to turn a negative work culture in a positive direction.
This is the problem addressed in Sync or Swim. Using the form of a fable, this brief book offers some useful principles for turning a culture around.
Sam the Shetland sheepdog faces a wide array of challenges as the new head of Monarch Enterprises, an entertainment company running a resort. Besides dealing with financial difficulties, he has quite a menagerie to lead.
Frisco is a gruff old bear who has lost faith in management. Jackson is a not so eager beaver who doesn’t think the executives have a clue what his job is about. Alana is a flamboyant, colorful bird who is a power center all on her own, with her own independent channel to the board. The old turtle, Henry, is nearing retirement after years as comptroller.
Sam, making mistakes along the way, still has to rally this group to face the storm that is about to hit their facilities, shoring up the levee and caring for vacationers. With some advice from a wise old Puffin, they pull through.
One of the strengths of the book is that everything does not tie up into a nice neat package. Problems remain even after the crisis is past. This is life in its messiness. While the book offers answers, it doesn’t pretend to be the total solution to all problems. This gives the book an authenticity and honesty that makes it more believable.
Recommended for leadership teams who want to turn a negative work culture in a positive direction.
January 24, 2016
A very quick read, perfect for busy managers who have read or listened to Chapman and White's The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People. This fable brings to life the necessity of appreciation and how to speak the language of your employees and co-workers.
Being a good leader requires humility, work, and investment. This fable demonstrates that through Sam, newest CEO of Monarch Enterprises. Guided by Olympia, a mentor he didn't seek out or ask for but received nonetheless, Sam learns how to correct his missteps and communicate in the most effective ways with each of his employees. Filled with quick and applicable lessons the reader can quickly catch on to the value of understanding your employees and co-workers for success at all levels of the organization. I think I'm going to buy The Chief a copy - more as an encouragement than a hint. *wink* He is deeply interested in how to connect and work with his employees and this book will just reinforce his efforts.
December 15, 2014
A little too specific in my opinion.
It would be hard to recommend to someone within an organization that doesn't have a culture that already accepts this type of book since the subject matter deals with such a toxic workplace. And, if your leader reads these types of books already, the chances are great you don't need this one.
Maybe for teens learning about leadership?
It would be hard to recommend to someone within an organization that doesn't have a culture that already accepts this type of book since the subject matter deals with such a toxic workplace. And, if your leader reads these types of books already, the chances are great you don't need this one.
Maybe for teens learning about leadership?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews