Originals

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant, published in 2016, explores how individuals can identify and champion Original Ideas that challenge the status quo. Grant argues that creativity is not about taking huge risks, but about managing them effectively while pursuing a unique vision. This book provides a rigorous framework for Institutional Innovation, teaching leaders how to foster a culture that welcomes dissent and recognizes the 'diamonds in the rough' that traditional management systems often overlook.

The book details strategies for Idea Selection and 'Strategic Procrastination' as tools for better creative results. Grant introduces the concept of the Coalition of the Unlikely—partnering with disagreeable colleagues who provide the most rigorous feedback. He emphasizes the importance of Radical Transparency and provides techniques for overcoming 'Groupthink' and the 'False Consensus Effect.' The framework highlights the role of 'moderate radicalism' and the need for leaders to build an environment where it is safe to speak truth to power.

Essential for entrepreneurs, product managers, and change agents. Readers gain concrete value by learning how to pitch ideas more effectively and how to recognize when a project is worth pursuing. Practical applications include utilizing Evidence-Based Dissent in meetings and redesigning hiring processes to favor 'cultural add' over 'cultural fit.' By mastering the principles of originality, leaders can ensure their organizations stay at the forefront of their industry, consistently inventing the future rather than just reacting to it.