Originals

Name: Originals
Author: Adam Grant

Adam Grant

Turn bold ideas into real change by learning how great innovators challenge conventions, break rules strategically, and win support.

17 min7 Chapters

Listen to the intro

1:24

Business & Career

Personal Growth & Self-Help

Psychology

Education & Creativity

Outline

What's it about?

Originals (2016) explores how people champion new ideas and change the world. Adam Grant shows how original thinkers recognise good ideas, speak up without being dismissed, build alliances, and manage fear and doubt. With research and stories from business, politics, sports, and entertainment, he also explains how parents and leaders can encourage originality in children and organisations.

Key ideas

Original thinkers learn to recognise which of their ideas are actually good before they push them forward.
Having a new idea is not enough; you also need ways to speak up without being dismissed.
Change rarely happens alone, so building alliances is a core part of championing a new idea.
Fear and doubt are normal for original thinkers, and they can be managed rather than avoided.
Parents and leaders can take specific steps to encourage originality in children and in organisations.

About the author

Adam Grant is an American organisational psychologist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is one of the world’s most influential management thinkers and hosts a popular podcast about work. His books include Give and Take, Originals, Think Again, and Hidden Potential, all of which became bestsellers.

Questions people ask

What is the main idea of Originals by Adam Grant?

Originals argues that people who change the world do so by recognising good ideas, speaking up effectively, building alliances, and managing fear and doubt. Adam Grant supports this with research and stories from business, politics, sports, and entertainment.

Who should read Originals?

It suits professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, and anyone who wants to turn bold ideas into real change. It is also useful for parents and leaders who want to encourage originality in children or organisations.

How long is the Durar summary of Originals?

The Durar summary of Originals takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers how innovators challenge conventions, win support, and handle doubt.