Book summary of “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World”
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World is a book by Adam Grant that explores the characteristics of creative people and the challenges they face in a world that rewards conformity. Grant argues that originality is essential for innovation and that we need to create a more welcoming environment for non-conformists.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of originality. In the first chapter, Grant introduces the concept of “originals” and discusses the different ways that they think and behave. He argues that originality is not about being different for the sake of being different, but about having the courage to think for yourself and to challenge the status quo.
In the second chapter, Grant discusses the creative process. He argues that creativity is not a gift that only a few people have, but a skill that can be learned and developed. He identifies four key elements of the creative process: preparation, incubation, inspiration, and verification.
In the third chapter, Grant explores the power of originals. He argues that originals are not only more likely to succeed in their careers, but they also make a positive impact on the world. He cites examples of originals such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Malala Yousafzai, who have all made significant contributions to society.
In the fourth chapter, Grant discusses the importance of collaboration. He argues that originals need to be able to work with others in order to achieve their goals. He identifies four key principles for successful collaboration: trust, respect, shared purpose, and psychological safety.
In the fifth chapter, Grant explores the risks of conformity. He argues that conformity is the enemy of originality and that we need to create a more welcoming environment for non-conformists. He cites examples of companies such as Google and Pixar, which have created cultures that are supportive of creativity and innovation.
In the sixth chapter, Grant discusses the value of failure. He argues that failure is an essential part of the creative process and that we need to learn to embrace it. He cites examples of successful people who have failed multiple times before they achieved success.
In the seventh chapter, Grant explores the power of self-expression. He argues that originals need to be able to express themselves in order to be successful. He identifies four key elements of self-expression: authenticity, courage, vulnerability, and resilience.
In the eighth chapter, Grant discusses the importance of community. He argues that originals need to be part of a community of like-minded people in order to thrive. He cites examples of communities such as the Burning Man festival and the TED community, which have provided a supportive environment for originals.
In the ninth chapter, Grant explores the future of originals. He argues that the world is becoming increasingly complex and that we need more originals to solve the challenges we face. He identifies four key trends that are creating opportunities for originals: globalization, technology, climate change, and social unrest.
In the tenth and final chapter, Grant concludes by arguing that we need to create a more welcoming environment for originals. He offers four concrete suggestions for how we can do this: create more opportunities for creativity, reward risk-taking, celebrate failure, and create a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Originals is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that challenges our conventional thinking about creativity and innovation. Grant provides a wealth of insights and practical advice that can help us to become more original and to make a positive impact on the world.
II. The Creative Process
The creative process is often misunderstood. Many people believe that creativity is a gift that only a select few possess. However, the truth is that creativity is a skill that can be learned and developed.
In his book, Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, Adam Grant argues that creativity is the result of three key ingredients:
- Divergent thinking: the ability to come up with new ideas
- Integrative thinking: the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas
- Elaboration: the ability to develop and improve your ideas
Grant also argues that creativity is not just about coming up with new ideas. It is also about taking risks, failing, and learning from your mistakes.
In order to be creative, you need to be willing to step outside of the box and think differently. You also need to be willing to take risks and try new things. And, most importantly, you need to be willing to fail.
Failure is an essential part of the creative process. It is through failure that we learn and grow. The more we fail, the better we become at learning from our mistakes and the more likely we are to succeed in the future.
If you want to be creative, you need to embrace failure. You need to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. And, you need to be willing to keep trying until you succeed.
III. The Power of Originals
Originals are people who are willing to challenge the status quo and think for themselves. They are not afraid to take risks and to stand up for what they believe in.
Originals are often seen as troublemakers or rebels, but they are actually the ones who push society forward. They are the ones who come up with new ideas and who challenge the old ways of doing things.
Originals are not born, they are made. They are people who have learned to think for themselves and to be independent. They are people who have not been afraid to take risks and to stand up for what they believe in.
If you want to be an original, you need to be willing to challenge the status quo. You need to be willing to think for yourself and to be independent. You need to be willing to take risks and to stand up for what you believe in.
If you are willing to do these things, you can become an original and you can help to change the world.
IV. The Importance of Collaboration
Collaboration is essential for originality. No one person can come up with all the ideas or do all the work required to bring an innovative project to life. By working together, people can pool their resources and talents, and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.
In the book, Grant discusses the importance of creating a “creative ecosystem” in which people are encouraged to share ideas and collaborate with each other. He argues that this type of environment is essential for fostering innovation and creativity.
Grant also provides several examples of successful collaborations that have led to major breakthroughs. For example, he discusses the work of the Human Genome Project, which was a massive collaborative effort that resulted in the sequencing of the human genome. He also discusses the work of the team that developed the iPhone, which was a collaboration between Apple, Google, and other companies.
These examples show that collaboration can be a powerful force for innovation. When people work together, they can achieve things that they would never be able to achieve on their own.
If you want to be an original, you need to be willing to collaborate with others. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up your own ideas or your own style. It simply means that you need to be open to working with others and sharing your ideas with them.
When you collaborate with others, you can learn from them, you can get help with your projects, and you can make a bigger impact on the world.
V. The Risks of Conformity
In this section, the author discusses the risks of conformity and how it can stifle creativity and innovation. He argues that conformity is often seen as a virtue, but it can actually be a detriment to society. He cites several examples of how conformity has stifled creativity and innovation, such as the way that the Catholic Church suppressed Galileo’s heliocentric theory. He also argues that conformity can lead to groupthink, which is a dangerous phenomenon that can lead to bad decisions.
VI. The Value of Failure
In the sixth chapter of “Originals,” Adam Grant argues that failure is essential for creativity and innovation. He cites the example of Thomas Edison, who failed thousands of times before he finally invented the lightbulb. Grant argues that Edison’s failures were not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of his determination and perseverance. He also argues that failure can help us to learn from our mistakes and to improve our chances of success in the future.
Grant concludes the chapter by arguing that we should embrace failure and learn from it. He encourages us to take risks, to experiment, and to be open to new ideas. He also encourages us to create a culture of failure in our workplaces, where it is safe to take risks and to learn from our mistakes.
VII. The Power of Self-Expression
In the final chapter of “Originals,” Grant argues that the most successful people are those who are able to express themselves authentically. He writes, “The most original people are not those who are most different from everyone else, but those who are most authentically themselves.”
Grant argues that there are three key elements to self-expression:
* **Honesty:** Original people are honest with themselves about who they are and what they want. They don’t try to be someone they’re not, and they don’t let others tell them who they should be.
* **Courage:** Original people have the courage to stand up for what they believe in, even when it’s unpopular. They’re not afraid to take risks, and they’re not afraid to fail.
* **Resilience:** Original people are resilient in the face of criticism and rejection. They don’t let others’ opinions of them hold them back from pursuing their dreams.
Grant believes that everyone has the potential to be original. However, he argues that we need to create a culture that values and rewards originality. We need to encourage people to be themselves, to take risks, and to stand up for what they believe in.
If we can create a culture of originality, we will see a world full of new ideas, new inventions, and new ways of doing things. We will see a world where people are free to be themselves, and where everyone has the opportunity to make a difference.
VIII. The Importance of Community
Originals are often seen as lone wolves, but they are actually more successful when they work together with others.
A community of Originals can provide support, encouragement, and feedback. It can also help to create a sense of shared purpose and identity.
When Originals work together, they can achieve more than they could ever achieve on their own. They can break down barriers, challenge the status quo, and create new and innovative solutions to problems.
If you want to be an Original, it is important to find a community of like-minded people who will support you and help you to achieve your goals.
Here are some tips for finding a community of Originals:
- Join a club or organization that is focused on creativity or innovation.
- Take a class or workshop on a topic that you are passionate about.
- Network with other people who are working on creative projects.
- Start your own blog or website to share your ideas with the world.
The most important thing is to find a community of people who will support you and help you to be the best version of yourself.
IX. The Future of Originals
In the final chapter of “Originals,” Grant discusses the future of non-conformists. He argues that as the world becomes more complex, there will be an increasing need for people who are willing to think differently and challenge the status quo. He also believes that the rise of technology will make it easier for people to share their ideas and collaborate with others, which will create new opportunities for originality.
Grant concludes by saying that the future belongs to those who are willing to be different. He encourages readers to embrace their individuality and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.