Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei & Anne Morriss Summary

Move Fast and Fix Things by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss challenges the misconception that speed and care for employees/customers are mutually exclusive. The book provides a 5-step framework for leaders to solve hard problems rapidly while strengthening organizational trust, culture, and communication, using examples from Uber and ServiceNow. It includes a one-week action plan to accelerate change without sacrificing excellence.

This book is ideal for executives, entrepreneurs, and managers facing urgent organizational challenges like declining trust, cultural friction, or stalled innovation. It’s particularly valuable for leaders in fast-paced industries seeking to balance speed with sustainable growth.

Yes—it’s a practical guide backed by real-world case studies from companies like Riot Games. The authors, renowned leadership experts and hosts of TED’s Fixable podcast, offer actionable strategies for immediate problem-solving while fostering long-term resilience.

1. False trade-off: Speed and care for stakeholders aren’t mutually exclusive
2. 5-day framework: Identify problems (Mon), build trust (Tue), shape culture (Wed), communicate effectively (Thu), empower teams (Fri)
3. Trust acceleration: Rapid problem-solving strengthens organizational trust when done inclusively

The book reimagines Facebook’s controversial motto by emphasizing repair over wreckage. While acknowledging speed’s importance, Frei/Morriss prioritize fixing systemic issues (e.g., toxic cultures, operational inefficiencies) rather than accepting collateral damage.

• Problem diagnosis tools: Techniques to identify root causes vs. symptoms
• Trust equation: Strategies to rebuild credibility through transparency and accountability
• Narrative-building: Methods to craft compelling change stories that align teams

Absolutely. The Wednesday chapter focuses on creating “cultures where everyone thrives” through inclusive decision-making and psychological safety. Case studies show how rapid interventions resolved toxic dynamics at tech firms while maintaining productivity.

The daily steps are designed for immediate execution:

1. Monday: Conduct a “problem audit” with stakeholders
2. Tuesday: Draft a “good enough” action plan
3. Wednesday: Engage diverse allies
4. Thursday: Develop a communication narrative
5. Friday: Launch and iterate

While applicable to all sectors, the methodology particularly suits:

• Tech: Scaling companies balancing innovation with employee retention
• Healthcare: Systems needing rapid process improvements without eroding patient trust
• Finance: Firms navigating regulatory changes while maintaining client relationships

The Thursday chapter teaches leaders to craft “sticky” narratives that simplify complex changes. Examples include reframing layoffs as reinvestment in core teams and turning PR crises into trust-building opportunities.

Yes—the principles scale effectively. The authors highlight a boutique firm that resolved supply chain disruptions in 72 hours using the Friday “empowerment” tactics, achieving faster results than larger competitors.

Some reviewers note the framework assumes baseline leadership competence—it may overwhelm novice managers. However, most praise its blend of academic rigor (Frei’s Harvard background) and real-world testing (Morriss’s startup experience).