BOOK REVIEW
ORIGINALS : How Non-Conformists Move the World
Author Adam Grant discusses how non-conformists find success by being daring , embracing innovation , and knowing when to break the mold .
For years we ’ ve been told to follow directions — to not stray from tradition — in order to succeed . In school , we were fed routine , encouraged to go with the flow . In our careers , we ’ re given best practices because “ that ’ s what works .”
You ’ d never expect to be told to question the norm or laugh in the face of tradition when it comes to business decisions . But that ’ s exactly what Grant challenges us to do in his book , Originals : How Non-Conformists Move the World .
Originality the Solution Grant proves to be a captivating thought leader throughout this relatable book . With the help of research studies and anecdotes derived from the worlds of politics , sports , and entertainment , he advances the idea that being original improves one ’ s chances of success . Grant , through the lens of an “ outside-the-box ” thinker , is driven by the challenges of social responsibility and refining the world .
How can we create original ideas ? How can we establish new policies and procedures ? How do we transform the world without gambling away the future ? Grant proposes that originality is the solution .
Losing Yourself in Sameness Grant touches on a variety of topics aimed at being original and non-conforming :
ÎÎRECOGNIZING BRILLIANT IDEAS
ÎÎVOICING OPINIONS
ÎÎIDENTIFYING AND BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE TEAM
ÎÎMANAGING FEAR AND DOUBT
ÎÎCHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO ACT
ÎÎINSTILLING ORIGINALITY IN KIDS
ÎÎESTABLISHING A CULTURE THAT WELCOMES DIFFERENCE OF OPINION
He also uses various real-life examples to support his stance . For instance , research shows that people who use default internet browsers , like Internet Explorer , are unlikely to question management , offer new ideas , or look at different angles . On the other hand , people that take the time to find and use alternative browsers , like Chrome , are more apt to be innovative .
To further validate these findings , Grant conducted his own research . In it , he found that customer service representatives who utilized alternative browsers were more satisfied with their jobs , and more successful .
Grant also tackles the idea of sameness stifling originality . Using what he calls “ middle status conservatism ”— the more comfortable you are , the less creative you are — he suggests a strong connection between creativity and “ risky ” business decisions and behaviors .
Conversational and captivating , Grant pulls you in as if he ’ s sharing a witty , intellectual tale at your dinner table . Originals : How Non-Conformists Move the World will push you to confront the barriers that shield you from being a creative thinker .
� Read Originals , and unleash the change leader that lies within .
22 | SNB . COM // CONNECT INNOVATION SUMMER 2016