Founder connections
- Peter ThielPositive reviewThiel’s endorsement on Grant’s site praises the book for showing that trying something new need not wait until someone has learned everything old.Source
- Richard BransonPositive reviewIn an endorsement on Grant’s site, Branson connects the book with the challenge of persuading people to see things differently and praises its value for creativity and change.Source
Summary
Adam Grant examines how people champion new ideas and how leaders can reduce groupthink. Drawing on studies and stories from business, politics, sport and entertainment, he explores judging ideas, speaking up, gaining allies, choosing when to act and managing fear and doubt. He also considers how leaders create a culture that welcomes dissent, and how parents and teachers can encourage originality.
Why read it Our view
Read this when a new idea needs support from people who have doubts. Grant’s examples offer ways to inspect an idea, explain its weaknesses, find allies and make space for useful disagreement within a team.
Decisions from the book
Showing investors why they should say no
- Decision: Rufus Griscom needs venture funding for Babble, an online parenting magazine and blog network, in 2009.
- Action: He includes a slide listing five reasons not to invest in the business.
- Outcome: Grant reports that Babble raises $3.3 million that year.