Adam Grant on 'How Non-Conformists Move the World': Insights from Book 'Originals'
Episode Description
KNOWLEDGE@WHARTON ARCHIVES: A new book by Wharton management professor Adam Grant challenges our assumptions about what it takes to generate and champion original ideas in ourselves and others. In Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, Grant reveals what we can learn from entrepreneurs and other trailblazers to help us think differently and to make our voices heard.
Knowledge at Wharton recently sat down to speak with Grant about why he wrote his new book. More on this interview: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/how-non-conformists-move-the-world/
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Brief Summary
Adam Grant discusses originality, entrepreneurship, and fostering creativity in organizations based on his book "Originals".
Key points
- The Inspiration Behind 'Originals'. Adam shares the twofold inspiration for his book, stemming from personal experiences and cultural questions.
- Entrepreneurs and Risk. Adam challenges the stereotype of entrepreneurs as risk-takers, revealing they often manage risk portfolios instead.
- The Power of Procrastination. Adam discusses how strategic procrastination can lead to more creative ideas and better outcomes.
- The Power of Originality. Originality can be sustained by exposing ourselves to fresh ideas and experiences.
- The Role of Coalitions. Having allies is crucial for bringing original ideas to life.
- The Trojan Horse Strategy. Disguising radical ideas can help gain support from skeptics.
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Episode highlights
- The Inspiration Behind 'Originals'Adam shares the twofold inspiration for his book, stemming from personal experiences and cultural questions.“I really wanted to know how could I have done that more effectively.”0:33Feb 2, 2016
- Entrepreneurs and RiskAdam challenges the stereotype of entrepreneurs as risk-takers, revealing they often manage risk portfolios instead.“Entrepreneurs are not necessarily more risk-taking than the rest of us.”2:01Feb 2, 2016
- The Power of ProcrastinationAdam discusses how strategic procrastination can lead to more creative ideas and better outcomes.“Most originals are great procrastinators.”13:56Feb 2, 2016
- The Power of OriginalityOriginality can be sustained by exposing ourselves to fresh ideas and experiences.“We have to keep our exposure to fresh ideas.”18:41Feb 2, 2016
- The Role of CoalitionsHaving allies is crucial for bringing original ideas to life.“Even a single ally is enough to make you feel that you're not lonely.”20:20Feb 2, 2016
- The Trojan Horse StrategyDisguising radical ideas can help gain support from skeptics.“She smuggled her real vision inside a Trojan horse.”22:20Feb 2, 2016
- Birth Order and OriginalityLater-born children may have an advantage in originality due to more freedom.“There does appear to be a later-born advantage in originality.”23:17Feb 2, 2016
- Creating a Culture of OriginalityOrganizations must encourage failure and challenge the status quo to nurture originality.“You have to make it safe for people to fail.”28:31Feb 2, 2016
