MindsetProdigy

Highly recommended

Originals

How Non-Conformists Move the World

by Adam Grant

An organizational psychologist explains how people champion new ideas and fight conformity.

  • Published 2016
  • Moderate
  • Science and research
  • 1 min analysis
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Introduction

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School, published Originals in 2016. He studies how people generate original ideas, speak up and lead change.

The book challenges myths, such as that originals are fearless risk-takers.

Who should read this book?

People with new ideas who want to champion them, and leaders who want more originality.

Helps with: Lead and grow at work, Unlock my creativity

The central message

Originals generate many ideas, manage risk, choose timing well and build coalitions to drive change.

Key ideas and concepts

  1. Quantity leads to quality

    Generating many ideas improves the best one.

  2. Balanced risk

    Many originals hedge risks rather than going all in.

  3. Strategic procrastination

    Some delay can help creativity.

  4. Speaking up

    How to voice ideas effectively.

  5. Coalitions

    Allies help ideas spread.

Deeper analysis

Originals is engaging and research-based, overturning common myths about creativity and risk. Its practical advice on speaking up is useful.

Some findings are based on limited studies, and the book can feel like a collection of interesting research rather than a unified guide. It's a smart, thought-provoking read.

Practical applications

  • Generate many ideas before choosing one.
  • Hedge a risk in one area.
  • Allow some incubation time.
  • Find allies before pitching an idea.
  • Speak up about one concern.

Your 7-day action plan

  1. Day 1

    Brainstorm many ideas.

  2. Day 2

    Evaluate with peers.

  3. Day 3

    Balance risk.

  4. Day 4

    Let an idea incubate.

  5. Day 5

    Find allies.

  6. Day 6

    Speak up.

  7. Day 7

    Reflect.

Outcomes to expect

What readers who apply this book can realistically take away from it:

  • More original ideas
  • Smarter risk-taking
  • Better advocacy
  • Creative courage

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

  • Research-based
  • Overturns myths
  • Practical
  • Engaging

Limitations

  • Limited studies
  • Feels like collection
  • Long

Reflection questions

  1. How many ideas do you generate?
  2. How do you manage risk?
  3. Who are your allies?
  4. What should you speak up about?

About the author

Adam Grant

Organizational psychologist at the Wharton School and author of books on rethinking, potential and work.

Full profile and books

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Book details (title, author, year) are factual. Everything under the headings above is MindsetProdigy's own editorial analysis and interpretation, written to help you decide whether to read the book and how to apply it. It is not a substitute for reading the book itself. Last updated October 2, 2026.