Adam Grant’s Originals:
How Non-Conformists Move the World is a witty, fast-moving read that
tackles how individuals can shape and change companies, movements, and the
greater world at large. Citing specific,
relevant examples and case studies, Grant provides a smorgasbord of options for
people who have great ideas and struggle with just how to incorporate them into
their workplace, their life, or the greater world.
Originality in the business world is very difficult to
maintain at times as many large companies prefer their employees to “fit” the
organization’s culture rather than be a contributor to it. Grant suggests that companies adjust their
thinking to embrace new, often better ideas to improve organizational
performance and argues that companies that are adaptable to new ideas from
within their ranks will stand the test of time.
When it comes to movements and changing something in society, Grant
cites examples of how to build an original movement of change and how those
movements that succeeded sometimes did so throughout unconventional, original
methods. “Best practices” can sometimes
get tossed out the window for a fresh perspective!
Grant’s work starts out slow but picks up steam quickly,
with great case studies that span multiple disciplines and centuries of
American life. If you are in mid
management, moving up the ranks in an organization, or looking to change the
world through a new idea or a pet cause, Grant’s work is a must-read and
provides needed insight.
MY RATING - 4
