As I was reading the book, I use mini sticky notes to 'highlight' the important points I have learnt. It was an addictive reading session for me whenever I found time to continue where I stopped at. The book starts off with Acknowledgements, Introduction (Connecting the World), followed by five chapters and ending with notes and index.
The author of the book is Ekaterina Walter. There were many people involved and contributed in the project, making this book even special. A round of applause for the publishers as I love the fact that the book is printed on acid-free paper.
The book has a great introduction of the significant impact of Facebook on the world and it has smooth connections from one chapter to another. There are plenty of inside information about how Facebook became the incredible, impacting force it is today.
The five keys featured in the book from chapter One to Five : Passion, Purpose, People, Product and Partnerships. Of course, the book does not only focus on just Facebook, but Ekaterina also brought in other innovative, highly successful companies and start-ups. They are Threadless, College Humor, TOMS, Dyson, XPLANE, JESS3 and Zappos.
Okay, I'm gonna start sharing some inspiring, encouraging stuff mentioned in the book. No copy right intended. It is purely for the purpose of learning. Let's go!~
Passion
"There is no such things as "failures" if you really want to pursue your dreams.""Passion fuels perseverance - one of the key ingredients of success."
"It doesn't matter where inspiration comes from. Your idea may not be fully original, but always create your masterpiece authentically and with purpose."
This quote totally reminded us to be innovative, with existing ideas around and we can just make them even better. Not to forget about the driving purpose behind it which is more important.
Purpose
"Great companies don't just create great products, they create movements."
If I am given an opportunity to establish a company in the future, this quote is definitely stuck in my head.
THE HACKER WAY: Focus on impact, Move Fast, Be Bold, Be Open and Build Social Value.
"Successful leaders are purpose driven but they also have the courage to stand by their vision and execute on their convictions, no matter the external pressure."
A relevant reminder that we can withstand any pressure with our actions aligned to our convictions and visions. Never despise yourself, you are empowered to be successful in life.
People
"In 1962, John F.Kennedy visited the NASA space center. He noticed a janitor who was deep in his work, sweeping the room the president was touring. Kennedy greeted the man: "Hi I am Jack Kennedy. What are you doing here?" Without any hesitation, the janitor responded: "I am helping to put a man on the moon, Mr President."
As simply as the reply may seemed, but it showed the deep conviction that the janitor has, fulfilling his role align to the company (NASA)'s visions. What visions do you have today?
"Hire for attitude. Skills can be taught ; passion can't."
I watched a YouTube video where a Starbucks Coffee store manager said that she will hire someone with a personality because personality is important in any job and that skills can be trained and taught.
"The role of a leader is not to come up with every single great idea for the company, but to create an environment in which amazing ideas can be born. Creating such an environment not only guarantees innovation in good times, it also continues to motivate when the company faces hard times."
"Give people step-by-step instructions and you can expect to be satisfied with the results of their work. But give them a high-level problem with some guidance on what success might look like and empower them to dream up their own solution to it, and you will most likely to be wowed by their imagination and appreciate the additional benefits to business that come with it."
Filling a company with extraordinary people, you can expect to create an extraordinary company. The company's brand is also its people. Given a chance in the future, I want to contribute back positively to the society with any business I get to work with because people want to buy into a business that is making a positive difference in the world.
As you come to page 117 of the book, you will learn of the Hummingbird Effect of Leadership. Under it, there are ten qualities which are unique and makes you feel inspired to cultivate and develop such qualities.
Coming across page 119, you get to understand who Mark Zuckerberg personally is and find out how he lives his life while having so much money and influence in the world.
Products
"If you don't have passion for something and a vision of where you want to go, you might miss the opportunities that come your way to make your dream a reality."
Human beings without visions and dreams, they will eventually perish. Start dreaming today!
James Dyson once said "A lot of people give up when the world seems to be against them, but that's the point when you should push a little harder."
"Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and opening your mind to the possibilities of the impossible can lead to the most unexpected solutions. Look for inspiration in the least expected scenarios and situations. Pay attention to both the ordinary and the extraordinary. Don't be afraid to be naive and ask fundamental questions like "Why?" and "Why not?".
Partnerships
Sheryl Sandberg is a powerful and capable lady I admire and she is definitely a gem to Facebook. She is passionate about the "growth of women's role in the society, and she encourages young girls to be confident in going after their dreams and to not shy away from important roles simply because they may be mothers someday." In addition, Sandberg was number eight on Fortune's 50 Most Powerful Women in Business List last year.
"Greatness takes passion, patience, courage and fierce determination. And it takes actions. Every little accomplishment is a step towards something bigger, and every failure is just an alternation of the path towards your dream."
I hope that this review can encourage you to buy the book personally for yourself or for someone you want to encourage. It is available as an E-book or you can find it at any Popular Bookstores at S$34.77 on the island of Singapore.
Thanks for your kind attention!
