Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World by Adam Grant

Synopsis

“Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World” by Adam Grant is a book that explores how people who think and act outside the norm have made significant contributions to society throughout history. Through compelling examples and research, Grant shows that originality is not a fixed trait, but a set of behaviors that can be learned and cultivated. He also provides insights into the obstacles that can prevent originality and how to overcome them. Ultimately, “Originals” encourages readers to embrace their unique perspectives and challenge the status quo in order to make a positive impact in the world.

About the author

Adam Grant is an American psychologist and author. He is currently a professor of psychology at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been recognized as the youngest tenured professor and one of the most influential management thinkers in the world. Grant is the author of several bestselling books, including “Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success” and “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy,” which he co-wrote with Sheryl Sandberg. He is also a highly sought-after public speaker and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Time magazine.

Chapter summary

Here are the chapters and brief summaries for the book Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World by Adam Grant:

Part 1: Introduction to Originals

  • Chapter 1: Creative Destruction: Originality is not a fixed trait and how creative people use failure to their advantage.
  • Chapter 2: Blind Inventors and One-Eyed Investors: How companies and individuals miss opportunities due to overreliance on conventional wisdom.
  • Chapter 3: Fools Rush In: How original thinkers balance risk-taking with caution and why procrastination can actually help generate new ideas.

Part 2: Speaking Truth to Power

  • Chapter 4: Rocking the Boat and Keeping it Steady: How original thinkers are able to challenge authority while still maintaining positive relationships.
  • Chapter 5: Speaking Truth to Power: The importance of dissent in groups and organizations, and how to voice constructive criticism.
  • Chapter 6: Givin’ Em Something They Can Feel: Why emotional appeals are more persuasive than rational arguments, and how to effectively use emotion in communication.

Part 3: Originals Widen Our Lens

  • Chapter 7: Rebels with a Cause: How original thinkers redefine and broaden social norms to create lasting change.
  • Chapter 8: The Power of Powerless Communication: How to communicate effectively when lacking formal authority or power.
  • Chapter 9: Collective Creativity: How to foster a creative and diverse environment that encourages original thinking.

Part 4: Originals Drive Creativity and Change

  • Chapter 10: Out on a Limb: How to encourage and embrace new ideas, even if they seem outlandish or unpopular.
  • Chapter 11: Dress Code: How our environments and external cues shape our behavior, and how to create conditions that foster original thinking.
  • Chapter 12: Rethinking Groupthink: Why groups often fail to be creative and original, and how to create a team that fosters diverse perspectives and ideas.

Part 5: Conclusion

  • Chapter 13: Originals and Imitators: The tension between originality and conformity, and how to strike a balance between the two.
  • Chapter 14: The Beginning: How to take the first steps towards becoming an original thinker and fostering originality in your organization.

Best quotes

  1. “The hallmark of originality is rejecting the default and exploring whether a better option exists.”
  2. “The greatest originals are the ones who fail the most because they’re the ones who try the most.”
  3. “Procrastinating is a vice when it comes to productivity, but it can be a virtue for creativity.”
  4. “The greatest barrier to originality is not ignorance but conformity.”
  5. “To become original, you have to try something new, which means accepting some measure of risk.”
  6. “The hallmark of originality is not perfection but imperfection, not hesitance but confidence, not the clarity of ideas but the creativity of thought.”
  7. “Doubt is often a sign of humility, and humility is just the ability to see things from multiple perspectives.”
  8. “Creative ideas, by definition, are novel and useful. But novelty and usefulness are often in tension.”
  9. “Originality is not a fixed trait. It’s a free choice.”
  10. “The greatest originals are the ones who not only have great ideas but also have the courage to challenge the status quo and the persistence to see their vision through.”

Book summary

Adam Grant’s Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World is a captivating book that delves into the lives and works of successful and revolutionary individuals who have left their mark on society through their unorthodox and unconventional approaches. Grant, who is a renowned organizational psychologist, author, and speaker, explores the power of originality, creativity, and innovation in driving social and economic progress. The book is divided into three parts that provide a comprehensive guide on how to develop and nurture the skills and qualities of an original thinker, and how to navigate the obstacles and challenges that arise on the path to success.

Part one of the book, “The Idea,” explores the concept of originality and how it can be nurtured and developed. Grant argues that the key to success lies in generating and nurturing ideas that are unconventional and nonconformist. He cites the example of the founders of Warby Parker, who were able to disrupt the traditional eyewear industry by adopting an unconventional approach that focused on offering stylish and affordable glasses to consumers. The chapter also explores the concept of “Vuja de,” which is the ability to see things in a new and unconventional way.

Part two of the book, “The Pitch,” explores the challenges and obstacles that original thinkers face in pitching their ideas to the world. Grant explores the psychology of persuasion and argues that the most successful original thinkers are those who are able to combine the power of rational arguments with the power of emotional persuasion. He cites the example of Martin Luther King Jr., who was able to inspire a generation through his powerful and emotive speeches. The chapter also explores the importance of taking calculated risks and overcoming the fear of failure.

Part three of the book, “The Launch,” explores the challenges and obstacles that original thinkers face in launching their ideas into the world. Grant argues that the most successful original thinkers are those who are able to balance the need for perfection with the need for action. He cites the example of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, who was able to overcome the obstacles of the fashion industry by adopting a nonconformist approach that focused on comfort and functionality rather than style. The chapter also explores the importance of persistence and the ability to learn from failure.

Overall, Originals: How Nonconformists Move the World is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to think differently about the world around them. It provides practical insights and strategies that can be used to nurture and develop the skills and qualities of an original thinker, and how to navigate the obstacles and challenges that arise on the path to success. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone who is looking for inspiration and motivation, this book is a must-read.

Leave a Reply

Read Next