Originals audiobook cover - How Non-Conformists Move the World

Originals

How Non-Conformists Move the World

Adam Grant

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Categories:
CreativityCareer & SuccessPsychology

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Originals
Traits of an Original+
Idea Generation+
Persuading Others+
Collaborating Effectively+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
According to economist Michael Housman's research, what did an employee's choice of internet browser (like Chrome or Firefox) indicate?
  • A. A higher likelihood of taking initiative and finding new solutions.
  • B. A tendency to be easily distracted and procrastinate on tasks.
  • C. A preference for working independently rather than in a team.
  • D. A higher level of technical coding skills and IT expertise.
Question 2 of 7
What is the relationship between the quantity and quality of ideas generated by highly creative individuals?
  • A. Focusing strictly on a few high-quality ideas yields better results than mass production.
  • B. Producing a massive quantity of work increases the probability of developing brilliant ideas.
  • C. High quantity usually dilutes the quality of the overall body of work.
  • D. Creative geniuses inherently produce fewer, but much higher quality, ideas than average thinkers.
Question 3 of 7
How does strategic procrastination benefit original thinkers, as demonstrated by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Leonardo da Vinci?
  • A. It forces them to work under high pressure, which activates the brain's survival instincts.
  • B. It allows them to delegate tasks to others while they focus on the big picture.
  • C. It leaves their minds open to new insights, improvisation, and a wider range of possibilities.
  • D. It ensures they do not overthink their initial, most authentic ideas.
Question 4 of 7
Why can emphasizing the flaws and shortcomings of your own idea during a pitch be an effective strategy?
  • A. It lowers the investors' expectations so they are easily impressed later.
  • B. It surprises the audience, builds trust, and demonstrates your honesty.
  • C. It proves that your idea requires less initial funding to get started.
  • D. It discourages competitors from trying to steal your concept.
Question 5 of 7
How did the creators of Disney's 'The Lion King' successfully win over executives who were initially hesitant about the movie's dark storyline?
  • A. They reduced the budget to minimize the financial risk for the studio.
  • B. They used the 'mere exposure effect' by pitching the idea every day for a month.
  • C. They framed the unconventional story within a familiar context by comparing it to Shakespeare's plays.
  • D. They hired a famous celebrity voice cast before making the final pitch.
Question 6 of 7
To prevent 'groupthink' and foster better decision-making, what kind of collaborators should you surround yourself with?
  • A. People who share your exact background and core values to ensure team harmony.
  • B. Individuals who naturally avoid conflict and prioritize reaching a consensus quickly.
  • C. Junior employees who will follow instructions without questioning authority.
  • D. People who hold minority opinions, challenge authority, and constantly question your ideas.
Question 7 of 7
What is the purpose of using a 'Trojan horse' strategy when presenting a radical new idea to peers?
  • A. To disguise the idea as something more familiar to connect with values the audience already believes in.
  • B. To completely hide your ultimate goal so you can take full credit for the invention later.
  • C. To aggressively dismantle the core beliefs of your opponents in a public debate.
  • D. To create horizontal hostility within a group so that they are distracted from your actual plan.

Originals — Full Chapter Overview

Originals Summary & Overview

In Originals (2016), Adam Grant taps into the field of original thinking and explores where great ideas come from. By following unconventional rules, Grant gives us helpful guidelines for how we can foster originality in every facet of our lives. He also shows that anyone can enhance his or her creativity, and gives foolproof methods for identifying our truly original ideas – and following through with them.

Who Should Listen to Originals?

  • Creatives struggling to find support for their ideas
  • Employees looking to change their workplace for the better
  • Anyone interested in what it takes to make genius solutions a reality

About the Author: Adam Grant

Adam Grant is an acclaimed consultant and public speaker on the topic of human resources and management. Grant’s clients include Google, Goldman Sachs and Disney Pixar; he is an award-winning professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; and he contributes frequently to The New York Times on the topic of workplace psychology.

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