Originals by Adam Grant is an amazing non-fiction book in the genre of self-help. It delves into how nonconformists can spark change. The book offers diverse examples and research, bolstering Grant’s arguments about fostering originality. Below you can find chapter wise summary of one of the most famous books by Adam Grant.
About Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He’s well known for his engaging writing style and evidence-based insights. Grant has authored several bestselling books, including Give and Take, Think Again, and Option B (co-authored with Sheryl Sandberg). His research combines psychology and real-world examples to explore what drives success, collaboration, and innovation. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Grant has worked with major organizations like Google, NASA, and the NBA. Through his books and talks, he inspires individuals and teams to think differently, embrace originality, and build a more meaningful and impactful life.
Chapter Wise Summary of Originals
1. Balancing Risk and Stability:
Originals by Adam Grant strategically manages risk, often pursuing bold ventures alongside stable anchors. Grant showcases this through examples like Warby Parker’s founders who kept day jobs while building their startup. This approach helped them to mitigate financial uncertainty. And it also allowed them to refine their business model without the overwhelming pressure of immediate success. The key takeaway is that to become an original thinker, it’s not mandatory to take risks. One can make thoughtful secure decisions and still succeed.
2. Recognizing Potential:
Spotting original ideas requires both persistence and the ability to see familiar things with fresh eyes (“vuja de”). Grant highlights the skepticism surrounding the Segway and Airbnb’s initial concept. Both of them received criticism since they were offering radical ideas. These examples underscore the importance of recognizing originality in new ideas even when they challenge conventional norms.
3. The Power of Procrastination (Sometimes):
Adam Grant argues that delaying tasks can unleash creativity by allowing for more divergent thinking. He cites Martin Luther King Jr.’s last-minute speech revisions and Leonardo da Vinci’s contemplative approach as examples. This counterintuitive concept suggests that strategic procrastination is helpful for better reflection and development of ideas.
4. Timing is Key:
The success of original ideas hinges on strategic timing. Grant illustrates this with the rise of web browsers, where Netscape’s well-timed launch proved advantageous. He also explores the strategic timing of social movements, like the Montgomery bus boycott. The takeaway here is to understand the importance of well timed execution for better impact of original ideas.
5. The Goldilocks Effect of Presentation:
Grant emphasizes the importance of framing ideas for maximum receptivity. The “Goldilocks effect” suggests ideas shouldn’t be too radical or conservative, but just right. The civil rights movement’s incremental progress serves as a powerful example.
6. Building Coalitions for Amplification:
Grant highlights the importance of allies and mentors in championing original ideas. He explores the American civil rights movement and the alliance between environmentalists and businesses as examples of how collaboration strengthens the impact of originality.
7. Combating Groupthink:
Groupthink stifles originality. Grant suggests fostering dissent and diverse perspectives through methods like devil’s advocacy and constructive conflict. Pixar’s open critique sessions and the US Navy SEALs’ debriefing practices exemplify this approach.
8. Balancing Innovation and Stability:
Long-term originality requires a balance between embracing new ideas and maintaining stability. Grant showcases companies like Google, with its “20% time” policy, and IDEO, known for its iterative design process, as models for achieving this balance.
Critical Reflection on Adam Grant’s Originals Review
“Originals” offers a valuable roadmap for cultivating originality and driving change. Grant’s research-backed approach and practical advice make it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking to be more innovative. However, some limitations exist:
1. Potential Oversimplification of Systemic Barriers:
Critics argue the book might overlook the complexity of challenges in large organizations or societies resistant to change. Entrenched processes and power structures can make originality difficult in such environments. For instance, navigating a bureaucratic organization with a rigid hierarchy might require different strategies than those presented in the book.
2. Actionability for Less Influential People:
While Grant provides actionable advice, some readers might find it challenging to implement these strategies, particularly those with limited resources or influence. The book could benefit from addressing the needs of individuals who lack significant power or authority within their organizations. Perhaps Grant offers alternative strategies for building smaller coalitions or focusing on individual creativity within constraints.
Conclusion:
Despite these limitations, Originals equips readers with valuable tools and ignites inspiration for fostering creativity and innovation. By understanding and applying Grant’s principles, individuals can become more effective change agents, even in challenging environments. In Adam Grant Originals review, readers can explore how these insights offer practical strategies for managing risk, recognizing potential, and persevering through doubt.