Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World (Adam Grant)



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