Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
Description
The #1 New York Times bestseller that examines how people can champion new ideas in their careers and everyday life--and how leaders can fight groupthink, from the author of Think Again and co-author of Option B "Filled with fresh insights on a broad array of topics that are important to our personal and professional lives."--The New York Times DealBook"Originals is one of the most important and captivating books I have ever read, full of surprising and powerful ideas. It will not only change the way you see the world; it might just change the way you live your life. And it could very well inspire you to change your world." --Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and author of Lean In
With Give and Take, Adam Grant not only introduced a landmark new paradigm for success but also established himself as one of his generation's most compelling and provocative thought leaders. In Originals he again addresses the challenge of improving the world, but now from the perspective of becoming original: choosing to champion novel ideas and values that go against the grain, battle conformity, and buck outdated traditions. How can we originate new ideas, policies, and practices without risking it all? Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt; how parents and teachers can nurture originality in children; and how leaders can build cultures that welcome dissent. Learn from an entrepreneur who pitches his start-ups by highlighting the reasons not to invest, a woman at Apple who challenged Steve Jobs from three levels below, an analyst who overturned the rule of secrecy at the CIA, a billionaire financial wizard who fires employees for failing to criticize him, and a TV executive who didn't even work in comedy but saved Seinfeld from the cutting-room floor. The payoff is a set of groundbreaking insights about rejecting conformity and improving the status quo.
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Community Reviews
Was kind of a slow read for me, as non-fiction is usually not a page-turner. But I learned a lot of new things, and I realized I shouldn't just assume that I am not and will not be a creative type - I need to be open to more things and stop limiting myself. I hope I can one day raise children who can think freely and create and contribute to the world in a beautiful way.
One of the more interesting "business books" I've read, though some of the information is contradictory, and the topics are not as cohesive as suggested by the theme of recognizing investment winners or being a successful innovator. I'd still recommend this book to a manager for ideas. I read this as part of the new GW Alum Book Club and it's probably their best pick so far.
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