Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage by Laura Huang

In her book, Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage, Laura Huang encourages readers to think strategically to overcome any obstacle they may face. She explains that, instead of viewing adversities as setbacks, in order to create an advantage, we need to look at them as opportunities from which to learn, grow and develop.

Huang’s observations are based on over a hundred interviews she conducted with successful businesspeople. She found that the most successful people were “edge-unwielders”; by using their difference to their advantage, “edge-unwielders” were able to gain a competitive edge. Huang identifies five strategies for turning adversity into advantage: not fitting in, turning failure into feedback, adding value, realizing potential, and finding allies.

The first strategy is to not fit in. Most people view fitting in as a way to gain an advantage. However, as Huang points out, always trying to fit in can lead us to ignore what makes us special, our point of difference. By being different, we can gain an advantage: our difference gives us a perspective and expertise that may be lacking in the traditional environment.

The second strategy is to turn failure into feedback. Instead of seeing failure as the end of the road, Huang suggests we turn negative experiences into learning experiences. We can use feedback to learn and grow, allowing us to develop new skills and approaches that can put us ahead.

The third strategy is to add value. Instead of worrying about how difficult things are, focus instead on how we can contribute to the environment around us. Huang encourages us to look for ways that our unique experiences can provide value to a situation.

The fourth strategy is to realize potential. We should remember that what we can achieve with our resources today is often far less than what we could achieve with the right resources tomorrow. By taking the time to develop relationships with people and resources that can open up new avenues for success, we can create an edge through potential.

The fifth strategy is to find allies. Successful people don't just rely on themselves; they look for allies to help them along the way. Whether it's through formal mentorship programs or informal relationships, having allies can provide valuable advice and access to services that can give us an edge.

By using Huang's strategies, we can create an edge over people and situations that we may not have been able to previously. Whether it’s through not fitting in, noting failure as feedback, adding value, realizing potential, or finding allies, Huang’s strategies are practical and actionable for anyone looking to create an edge within their everyday life. Edge: Turning Adversity into an Advantage offers a useful, witty and inspiring exploration of how to turn adversity into advantage.