[Book Summary] Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World—Adam Grant

Rating: ★★★☆☆

(Written with aid of ChatGPT.)

In Originals, Adam Grant explores how people can champion new ideas and drive significant change without risking everything. Through extensive research and compelling anecdotes, Grant debunks myths about creative thinkers, emphasizing that originality is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be nurtured and practiced. 

In "Out on a Limb: Speaking Truth to Power" chapter, Grant outlines the challenges of voicing original ideas within hierarchical structures. He offers a strategy for speaking truth to power that involves:

1. Building Credibility First: Establish a track record of competence to gain trust.
2. Timing Your Message: Choose the right moment when decision-makers are most receptive. (Also, repeat your ideas once in a while to strengthen the "fermentation" process!)
3. Framing the Message: Align your proposal with the values and goals of those in power.
4. Building Alliances: Form coalitions to amplify your voice and protect against backlash.

An example is the story of a CIA agent who proposed improving the agency's outdated paper-based information-sharing system. Initially, her ideas were too controversial and faced rejection. Years later, when promoted to a higher position, she gained the authority to implement these changes. This reinforces Grant's point that status cannot be claimed but must be granted or earned through consistent performance and patience. Once you have the status, you can set your original ideas to fly (if you couldn't earlier due to lack of authority).

Besides, a particularly intriguing strategy Grant advocates is to sell the shortcomings of your ideas upfront. Instead of hiding potential flaws, acknowledging weaknesses disarms critics and makes your audience more receptive (The aforementioned step 2). This counterintuitive approach lowers their defenses and fosters open-mindedness. By revealing limitations, you demonstrate transparency and earn trust, increasing the likelihood that your audience will seriously consider your proposals.

While "Originals" has been praised for its engaging narrative and insightful anecdotes, some critics point out that Grant occasionally strays off-topic, dispensing advice without clear links to the concept of originality. However, for the most part, the book succeeds by marrying sound research with compelling stories in a breezy narrative style.