Sync or Swim: A Light Summer Read with Deep Lessons on Workplace Culture
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy a light, engaging read. But many of us are also navigating tough workplace realities—dispersed teams, supply chain issues, and staff shortages. That’s where Sync or Swim comes in.
This short, story-driven book provides a fresh, entertaining way to understand the root causes of communication breakdowns and disengaged teams. It’s not just a fable—it’s a guide for workplace culture improvement through story.
Why Stories Like Sync or Swim Work
Humans are hardwired for stories. Fables cut through complexity and deliver insights that stick. In Sync or Swim, readers watch a fictional team face the pressures of a looming crisis—and learn how their communication styles and stress responses affect team dynamics.
Through the eyes of each character, we gain insight into team communication in the workplace—how some people retreat under pressure, others lash out, and a few lean into collaboration. The story makes it easy to reflect on how real-world teams respond during high-stress moments and what can be done to shift course.
How Sync or Swim Builds a Positive Work Environment
The beauty of Sync or Swim lies in its simplicity. It’s a quick, accessible read packed with lessons that help teams reconnect, communicate more clearly, and collaborate with purpose. This is especially powerful for leaders who want a non-intimidating way to spark cultural conversations.
Our workplace culture tools like Sync or Swim foster authentic appreciation and collaboration—not through rigid systems, but through relatable, human stories. It’s a resource that managers, HR professionals, and team members can all engage with.
Real Reactions from Business Leaders
We shared Sync or Swim with a wide variety of managers, trainers, and other leaders, and these were just a few of the positive responses we received:
“Sync or Swim is a quick and easy read with a simple but powerful message for anyone who hopes to effectively manage and lead others. It reminds us of what we all need to remember but too quickly forget – that everyone needs appreciation, but that everyone needs it communicated in their own unique way.” – Jack Canfield, Coauthor of The Success Principles and Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work.
“I’ve always said the business is easy… until people get involved. The key word is teamwork. If you can’t work together, you can’t win together. In Sync or Swim, Chapman, White, and Myra tell a quick, fun story that gives you the tools you need to bring your people together like never before.” – Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio show host.
“I was sitting waiting to board a flight with twenty things on my to-do list. But I decided to look at this fable… and couldn’t stop reading! It really drew me in, and I instantly started thinking about how I purposefully need to tell (and show) my amazing team members how much I genuinely appreciate them – and to do so much more often. Sync or Swim makes a tremendously important point in an incredibly simple way – that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget.” – Shaunti Feldhahn, Author, For Women Only and The Male Factor.
Meet the Characters That Bring It All to Life
Each character in Sync or Swim highlights a common personality in the workplace—making the lessons feel grounded and personal.
Sam, CEO: The story is told from Sam’s point of view. He’s an optimist who begins the book thinking he knows it all and can easily step in to fix the company’s problems. He soon learns that before you can lead change, you must learn to communicate effectively.
Tia, Head of Human Resources: “You wouldn’t believe all the negativism around here! … How am I supposed to help employees when they won’t work together, and they sit around blaming each other for all the lost work orders and not meeting deadlines?”
Olympia, Local Entrepreneur, Professor, Consultant: “When workers feel used and not valued as individuals, rewarding them for what they’ve done backfires. They have to feel valued for more than just what they can produce. They’re persons, not replacement parts.”
“Ever run a machine without oil? Pretty soon, metal grinds against metal. Without it, work grinds on workers. Spark, ignite resentment, and then cynicism. What’s vital is communicating authentic appreciation. It’s organizational oil.”
You’ll also meet:
- Alana, the condescending marketing manager;
- Briana, the energetic intern;
- Frisco, the gruff head of maintenance;
- Giselle, the smooth communications director and
- Henry, the conservative CFO.
These characters each bring a new lens to how teams interact—and how they either build a positive work environment or slowly erode one.
Sync or Swim will help you and your team break through the challenges of current life circumstances, inspire teamwork, and create an engaging work environment. After the story, you’ll find responses and questions to stimulate your thinking and discussions.
A Story with Real-World Application
The book concludes with thoughtful questions and prompts—perfect for team discussions or leadership reflection. It’s designed to move from story to strategy, giving readers a jumping-off point to improve team dynamics immediately.
Whether you’re leading a large company or facilitating a small team, Sync or Swim offers a fresh entry point into critical conversations around team communication in the workplace and employee morale.
Special Offer: Get Your Team Reading Together
Ready to bring your team into the conversation? Now through July 15, you can get paperback copies of Sync or Swim for just $10 each (regularly $14.99). Use code SOS2025 at checkout.
Sync or Swim is more than a light summer read—it’s a tool for workplace culture improvement. Use it to kickstart conversations, reduce friction, and foster appreciation across your team.
Because when your team learns how to sync, you won’t just stay afloat. You’ll move forward—together.
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Categories Appreciation, Business/Leadership, Communication, Managing By Appreciation, Sync or Swim, Teamwork, Uncategorized, Workplace Culture
