The Art of Being Unreasonable by Eli Broad

Last updated: Sep 16, 2023

Summary of The Art of Being Unreasonable by Eli Broad

The Art of Being Unreasonable by Eli Broad is a book that explores the mindset and strategies of successful entrepreneurs and leaders who have achieved extraordinary results by thinking and acting in unconventional ways. Broad, a self-made billionaire and philanthropist, shares his own experiences and lessons learned throughout his career, as well as insights from other notable individuals.

The book is divided into three main sections, each focusing on a different aspect of being unreasonable. The first section, "Unreasonable Thinking," emphasizes the importance of challenging the status quo and questioning conventional wisdom. Broad encourages readers to think big, take risks, and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to have a clear vision and the ability to communicate it effectively to inspire others.

The second section, "Unreasonable People," highlights the qualities and characteristics of successful leaders who are willing to go against the grain. Broad emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who share a common vision and are not afraid to challenge the leader's ideas. He also emphasizes the importance of hiring people who are smarter than oneself and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

The final section, "Unreasonable Action," focuses on the importance of execution and getting things done. Broad emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to be decisive, adaptable, and persistent in pursuing their goals. He shares practical advice on managing teams, making tough decisions, and overcoming obstacles. He also emphasizes the importance of giving back to society and using one's success to make a positive impact.

Throughout the book, Broad provides numerous examples and case studies of individuals who have achieved remarkable success by being unreasonable. He shares stories of entrepreneurs who disrupted industries, leaders who challenged the status quo, and philanthropists who made a significant difference in the world. Broad's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable and informative read.

In conclusion, The Art of Being Unreasonable is a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders who want to achieve extraordinary results. It offers valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that encourage readers to think big, challenge the norm, and take bold action. By embracing the principles of being unreasonable, individuals can unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact on the world.

1. Embrace Unreasonableness

In "The Art of Being Unreasonable," Eli Broad emphasizes the importance of embracing unreasonableness in order to achieve extraordinary results. He argues that being reasonable often leads to mediocrity, as it limits one's ability to think outside the box and take risks. Broad encourages readers to challenge the status quo, question conventional wisdom, and pursue ambitious goals that others may deem impossible.

By embracing unreasonableness, individuals can tap into their creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. Broad shares his own experiences of being unreasonable, such as starting multiple successful businesses and founding philanthropic organizations that have made a significant impact. He believes that being unreasonable is not about being reckless or irrational, but rather about having the courage to pursue audacious goals and challenge the norms.

2. Take Calculated Risks

In the book, Broad emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks in order to achieve success. He argues that playing it safe and avoiding risks often leads to missed opportunities and stagnation. Broad shares his own experiences of taking risks, such as investing in unproven industries and challenging established players.

However, Broad also emphasizes the need for calculated risks, highlighting the importance of conducting thorough research, analyzing potential outcomes, and weighing the potential rewards against the potential risks. He advises readers to be strategic in their risk-taking, ensuring that they have a clear understanding of the potential consequences and a plan to mitigate any potential downsides.

3. Build Diverse Teams

Broad emphasizes the importance of building diverse teams in order to foster innovation and drive success. He argues that diverse perspectives and backgrounds bring different ideas and approaches to the table, leading to more creative problem-solving and better decision-making.

By surrounding oneself with individuals who think differently and come from various disciplines, industries, and backgrounds, one can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Broad shares his own experiences of building diverse teams, highlighting how it has contributed to his success in various ventures.

He encourages readers to actively seek out diversity in their teams, whether it be in terms of gender, race, age, or expertise. By embracing diversity, individuals can create a more inclusive and innovative environment that fosters collaboration and drives results.

4. Be Persistent

In "The Art of Being Unreasonable," Broad emphasizes the importance of persistence in achieving one's goals. He argues that success often requires overcoming numerous obstacles and setbacks, and it is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity that sets successful individuals apart.

Broad shares his own experiences of facing challenges and setbacks, highlighting how persistence and determination have been key to his success. He encourages readers to develop a mindset of resilience, embracing failure as a learning opportunity and refusing to give up in the face of obstacles.

By being persistent, individuals can overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately achieve their goals. Broad's message serves as a reminder that success rarely comes easy, but with perseverance, it is attainable.

5. Give Back to Society

One of the key takeaways from "The Art of Being Unreasonable" is the importance of giving back to society. Broad emphasizes the role of philanthropy and social responsibility in creating a better world.

He shares his own experiences of founding philanthropic organizations and making significant contributions to various causes. Broad encourages readers to find ways to give back, whether it be through financial donations, volunteering, or using their skills and expertise to make a positive impact.

By giving back to society, individuals can not only make a difference in the lives of others but also find a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Broad's message serves as a reminder that success should not be measured solely by personal achievements but also by the positive impact one has on the world.

6. Foster a Culture of Innovation

Broad emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation in order to drive success. He argues that organizations that embrace innovation and encourage creative thinking are more likely to thrive in today's rapidly changing world.

He shares his own experiences of fostering innovation in his businesses and philanthropic organizations, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from failure.

Broad encourages readers to challenge the status quo, embrace new ideas, and create a culture that values innovation. By fostering a culture of innovation, individuals and organizations can stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changing circumstances, and drive meaningful progress.

7. Continuously Learn and Adapt

In "The Art of Being Unreasonable," Broad emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. He argues that in today's fast-paced world, individuals and organizations must be willing to evolve and adapt in order to stay relevant and succeed.

Broad shares his own experiences of continuously learning and adapting, highlighting how it has been crucial to his success in various ventures. He encourages readers to embrace a growth mindset, seeking out new knowledge and experiences, and being open to change.

By continuously learning and adapting, individuals can stay ahead of the curve, seize new opportunities, and navigate through challenges. Broad's message serves as a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey and that those who are willing to adapt are more likely to thrive.

8. Think Big

One of the key takeaways from "The Art of Being Unreasonable" is the importance of thinking big. Broad argues that setting ambitious goals and pursuing audacious dreams is essential for achieving extraordinary results.

He shares his own experiences of thinking big, such as starting businesses in unproven industries and challenging established players. Broad encourages readers to dream big, set lofty goals, and not be afraid to aim for the seemingly impossible.

By thinking big, individuals can tap into their full potential, push the boundaries of what is considered possible, and achieve remarkable success. Broad's message serves as a reminder that it is often the unreasonable goals that lead to the most extraordinary outcomes.