Originals

How Non-Conformists Move the World

Using surprising studies and stories spanning business, politics, sports, and entertainment, Grant explores how to recognize a good idea, speak up without getting silenced, build a coalition of allies, choose the right time to act, and manage fear and doubt.

Author:

Adam Grant

Published Year:

2016-02-02

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Key Takeaways: Originals

《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》:原创性思维的艺术

Welcome to DeepSummary, where we break down life-changing books into actionable insights.

“First, let's look at the idea of generating and recognizing good ideas.” 大量产出想法: Grant 在《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》中强调,真正的原创性通常来自大量 আইডিয়া的产生。他认为,“你投的越多,你得分的可能性就越大”。 他以历史上多产的作曲家和艺术家为例,如莫扎特创作了 600 多首作品,巴赫创作了 1000 多首,毕加索创作了数千件艺术品。虽然不是每一件都是杰作,但大量的产出让他们能够实验、改进,最终产生改变世界的作品。 应用:不要过早地自我审查。产生尽可能多的想法,无论它们看起来多么愚蠢或牵强。在这种情况下,数量孕育质量。尝试:设置一个 15 分钟的计时器,写下与您尝试解决的问题相关的每一个想法。不要评判它们,只需把它们写下来。您可能会对出现的结果感到惊讶。 《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们数量是重要的!

“Now, another key point here is that we're often terrible at judging our own ideas.” 寻求反馈: 我们往往会爱上自己的创作,很难看到它们的缺陷。Grant 建议寻求反馈,不是从任何人那里,而是从“同行创作者”那里,那些与你一起在战壕里,与类似的挑战作斗争的人那里获得反馈。 他分享了一个关于 Warby Parker 眼镜公司创始人的故事。他们最初放弃了后来成为其核心商业模式的想法。只有在从同行、了解市场和创业挑战的人那里获得反馈后,他们才意识到这种潜力。 应用:找到一个同伴群体,您信任的人,他们也在从事创意项目。与他们分享您的想法,并接受他们诚实的反馈,即使这有点刺痛。获得外部视角至关重要。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们寻求反馈是必要的!

“Let's move on to the art of speaking up.” 无力的沟通: Grant 介绍了一个叫做“无力沟通”的概念。这听起来有悖常理,但请听我说。他描述了中央情报局分析师 Carmen Medina 如何使用这种技术推动机构内部的重大变革。她没有强力主张自己的想法,而是首先承认潜在的负面影响和风险。她通过坦率地面对挑战来解除听众的戒备。 这种方法之所以有效,是因为它建立了信任。这表明您已经考虑了潜在的陷阱,这使您看起来更可信。这就像在说,“嘿,我知道这并不完美,但这就是为什么我认为尽管存在风险,但仍值得考虑的原因。” 应用:下次您提出新想法时,首先承认潜在的缺点。“我知道这似乎不太可能,并且存在一些潜在的挑战,例如 X、Y 和 Z。但这就是为什么我认为潜在的好处大于风险......”这种方法可能比简单地列出所有优点更具说服力。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们要学会如果沟通!

“Another thing Medina did, was use something called the Sarick Effect.” 利用Sarick效应: 这指的是从你的想法或产品的弱点入手。在线杂志和博客 Babble 的创始人 Rufus Griscom 使用这种方法来获得资金。他没有展示自己最好的一面,而是列出了不投资他公司的前五个理由。后来,在向迪士尼推销时,他使用了类似的策略。他展示了一张幻灯片,上面写着:“这就是你不应该购买 Babble 的原因”。这听起来可能很奇怪,但它奏效了,迪士尼最终以 4000 万美元收购了该公司。 《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们Sarick效应的神奇!

“Now, let's talk about timing.” 把握时机: Grant 强调,第一个并不总是最好的。事实上,他认为“定居者”——那些在先驱者之后到来的人——通常具有显著优势。他们可以从早期采用者的错误中学习,并改进想法。 可以这样想:第一家创建智能手机的公司不是苹果,但苹果从早期模型中学习,改进了技术和用户体验,并最终主导了市场。 应用:不要觉得有压力要成为第一个将想法推向市场的人。有时,最好等待、观察和学习。利用这段时间完善您的概念,建立更有力的案例,并确定发布的最佳时机。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们要把握时机! 为了获得认可,重复想法也很重要。科学家称之为“单纯曝光效应”。我们越经常遇到某件事,我们就越喜欢它。在一项研究中,人们看到了两个土耳其语单词,iktitaf 和 sarick。大多数人选择了 sarick 而不是 iktitaf,因为他们之前在研究中已经遇到过它。

《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》:驾驭变革的浪潮

Today, we're diving into "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" by Adam Grant.

“Building coalitions is another critical aspect of championing original ideas.” 建立联盟: 你不能独自完成。Grant 强调寻找盟友的重要性,这些人分享你的愿景,并可以帮助你扩大你的信息。 但他建议关注“潜在的”盟友,而不仅仅是通常的怀疑对象。寻找那些最初可能看起来有抵抗力,但可以通过正确的方法动摇的人。他称这些人“亦敌亦友”——既是朋友又是对手的人。 他以妇女参政运动为例。该运动的关键人物 Susan B. Anthony 战略性地瞄准了最初反对的群体,如禁酒倡导者,认识到他们有一些共同点。 应用:确定可能从您的想法中受益的人,即使他们起初看起来不像天然的盟友。以一种与他们的价值观和兴趣产生共鸣的方式来表达您的信息。找到共同点,架起桥梁而不是筑墙。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们要学会建立联盟!

“Finally, let's address the emotional side of originality.” 管理情绪: 当你挑战现状时,感到恐惧、怀疑和焦虑是很自然的。Grant 强调管理这些情绪的重要性,而不是消除它们。 他介绍了“防御性悲观”的概念。这是一种策略,您可以预测潜在的障碍并为之做好计划。这不是消极,而是做好准备。这就像在说,“好吧,可能会出什么问题?我该如何主动应对这些挑战?” 应用:在提出新想法之前,列出所有潜在的反对意见或障碍。然后,集思广益,为每一个问题找出解决方案。这不仅会让您感到更自信,还会使您的演示文稿更强大。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们要学会管理情绪!

“Another thing to consider is the difference between conceptual and experimental innovators.” 概念型与实验型创新者: 概念型创新者是那些更有可能提出一个宏伟的想法并执行它的人,例如阿尔伯特·爱因斯坦发展他的相对论,而实验型创新者是那些随着时间的推移,通过反复试验来提出想法的人,例如列奥纳多·达芬奇。这种差异很重要,因为这意味着您不一定需要急于将您的想法推向世界。 《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们创新有两种!

“The author suggests a few tools to help you manage your emotions and put your ideas into action.” 行动起来: 写下你对你的想法的所有恐惧和疑虑。然后,对于每一个,写下一个你可以采取的具体行动来减轻这种风险。这有助于将您的注意力从焦虑转移到行动。 您可能想知道如何处理害怕说出来的恐惧,尤其是在等级森严的环境中。Grant 建议在组织的不同级别寻找盟友。与有影响力的人建立关系,并寻求他们的建议和支持。请记住,即使是很小的勇气行为也会产生连锁反应。《Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World》这本书告诉我们行动起来很重要!

What the Book About

  • Generating Ideas: Quantity breeds quality. Generate many ideas without self-censorship. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" emphasizes that prolific creators produce more, increasing the chances of groundbreaking work.
  • Feedback: Seek feedback from fellow creators, not just anyone. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" highlights the Warby Parker example, where peer feedback was crucial.
  • Speaking Up: Use "powerless communication." Acknowledge potential downsides to build trust and credibility. The Sarick Effect, leading with weaknesses, can be surprisingly effective, as seen in the Babble example in "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World".
  • Timing: Being first isn't always best. "Settlers" can learn from pioneers' mistakes. Apple's success with smartphones exemplifies this in "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World".
  • Mere Exposure Effect: Repeating ideas increase the chance of acceptance.
  • Building Coalitions: Focus on *potential* allies, even "frenemies." Susan B. Anthony's strategy in "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" demonstrates finding common ground.
  • Managing Emotions: Use "defensive pessimism" to anticipate obstacles and plan. Address fears with specific actions. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" stresses managing, not eliminating, emotions.
  • Conceptual vs. Experimental Innovators: Understand your innovation style (grand idea vs. trial and error) to manage your approach, as discussed in "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World".

Who Should Read the Book

  • Aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs: Individuals looking to develop and launch new ideas, products, or services. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" provides a framework for generating, refining, and championing original concepts.
  • Leaders and managers: Those seeking to foster a culture of innovation and creativity within their teams or organizations. The book offers insights on how to encourage original thinking and effectively manage the process of implementing new ideas.
  • Creatives and artists: Individuals in creative fields who want to enhance their creative output and learn how to better present and gain acceptance for their work. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" highlights the importance of generating a high volume of ideas and seeking feedback from peers.
  • Anyone challenging the status quo: Individuals who want to make a difference by questioning existing norms and advocating for change. The book provides strategies for effective communication, coalition building, and managing the emotions associated with challenging established systems.
  • Those seeking to improve their communication skills: "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" introduces the concept of "powerless communication," a counterintuitive but effective approach to persuasion that involves acknowledging potential downsides and building trust.
  • Individuals interested in organizational psychology: Readers fascinated by the science behind creativity, innovation, and leadership. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" is written by a leading organizational psychologist and draws on extensive research.
  • People looking to overcome fear and self-doubt: The book offers practical advice on managing the emotions associated with pursuing original ideas, including fear of failure and criticism. "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" addresses "defensive pessimism" as a strategy.

In essence, "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" is for anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact by bringing new ideas to life, regardless of their specific field or role. The principles in "Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World" are widely applicable.

Plot Devices

Characters

FAQ

How does Adam Grant define 'Originals' in his book, Originals?

  • Non-Conformity: Originals are people who don't just accept the default, but come up with novel ideas and champion them.
  • Vuja De: Vuja de is the opposite of deja vu - looking at something familiar with a fresh perspective, enabling originality.
  • Creative Collaboration: Originality often thrives in open, collaborative environments where diverse perspectives are encouraged.

What is the concept of 'Strategic Procrastination' explored in Adam Grant's Originals?

  • Incubation Period: The বিলম্বিত-crastination sweet spot is where you've started thinking about a task, but haven't fully committed, allowing for incubation.
  • Divergent Thinking: Procrastination can lead to more divergent thinking, as you're not locked into initial ideas.
  • Subconscious Processing: By delaying, you give yourself time to subconsciously process and generate more creative solutions.

In Originals, how does Adam Grant explain the 'First-Mover Disadvantage'?

  • Settler Advantage: First-movers often face higher risks and uncertainties, while settlers can learn from their mistakes.
  • Market Share: Settlers can refine existing ideas and capture a larger market share.
  • Market Analysis: Being a settler allows for more time to analyze the market and develop a superior product or strategy.

How does building 'Coalitions' help champion original ideas, according to Originals by Adam Grant?

  • Collective Action: Coalitions are groups of people who band together to support an original idea or cause.
  • Influence: Building a strong coalition involves finding allies who share your vision and can influence others.
  • Overcoming Resistance: Coalitions provide the necessary support and resources to overcome resistance to change.

What role does 'Availability Heuristic' play in assessing original ideas, as discussed in Adam Grant's Originals?

  • Familiarity Bias: This is the tendency to overestimate the likelihood of familiar events and underestimate the likelihood of unfamiliar ones.
  • Underestimation: Original ideas, being unfamiliar, are often underestimated in their potential for success.
  • Framing: To overcome this, originals need to present their ideas in a way that connects with existing beliefs and values.

According to Originals by Adam Grant, how can expressing 'Tempered Radicalism' help gain acceptance for original ideas?

  • Authenticity: Vulnerability, when shared authentically, can build trust and connection with others.
  • Relatability: Sharing your doubts and weaknesses can make you appear more relatable and human.
  • Disarming Critics: This can disarm potential critics and make them more receptive to your ideas.

In Adam Grant's Originals, how do 'Unproductive Work Habits' hinder originality?

  • Time Wasting: Unproductive work habits are actions that consume time and energy without contributing to meaningful progress.
  • Task-Switching: These can include excessive meetings, email overload, and constant task-switching.
  • Mental Space: Identifying and eliminating these habits can free up time and mental space for original thinking.

How can 'Righteous Anger' be a catalyst for originality, as described in Originals by Adam Grant?

  • Moral Outrage: This is the feeling of frustration and anger that arises when we perceive an injustice or unfairness.
  • Motivation: Channeling this anger constructively can fuel the motivation to challenge the status quo.
  • Positive Change: Originals often use righteous anger to drive positive change and fight for their ideas.

Inspirational Quotes & Insights

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours.
Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.
Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

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