Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
Why this book?
Who would have thought that some of the world’s most original thinkers are procrastinators? Fail more often than most? Aren’t highly motivated to achieve? Aren’t usually risk-takers?
Adam Grant dispels numerous myths about creative people. They aren’t usually high-wire risk-takers. Rather, they reduce their risk by observing those who are the first to produce something new, learn from their mistakes, and then offer their own, better version. What about procrastinating? A better word might be “incubating.” They ponder an idea and put it on the back burner of their minds, allowing the idea to develop over time. And, Grant points out, the fact that they don’t have high needs for continual achievement fosters creativity. How? A high achievement motivation is often accompanied by a fear of failure, which can dampen our creativity.
I’ve long been intrigued by people who look at the world through a different lens. Steve Jobs saw computers not only as powerful tools but also as great design opportunities. I love Adam Grant’s book because he shows that none of us needs to be a Steve Jobs (thank God!) to be original thinkers. I highly recommend this book because it demystifies what innovation is all about. We can all be “original” in our own ways.