“Originals” by Adam Grant

This series is devoted to decoding bestselling non-fiction titles and discovering the reasons behind their widespread success.

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you have likely seen me quote this book a few times. 

What I appreciated about “Originals” is the portrayal of great innovators as ordinary people. They procrastinate, encounter fear, and even produce lackluster ideas. What distinguishes them from the rest of us however is the way they champion their ideas. They are driven more by the fear of not attempting than by the fear of failing.

I think all of us could use a little less fear of failing…I know I could. 

Let’s take a look at why this book was a bestselling title! 

About “Originals” 

In “Originals,” Adam Grant guides us through what it means to be innovative and lead effectively. 

The book details how to introduce new ideas and avoid going along with the crowd. Grant uses examples from various fields like business and entertainment to show how to spot good ideas, share them without being ignored, and build a team to help make these ideas succeed. 

But best of all, he addresses how to deal with fear and doubt. 

If you are a rebellious leader, in any industry, you will likely experience fear. Especially when you choose to take a stance and say “I think this generally accepted thought in my industry is wrong.” It takes guts. And the strategies Grant presents are useful and proven. Grant also gives tips on how to encourage kids to be creative and how to create a workplace that values questions and different opinions. 

If you haven’t read it, “Originals” is highly worth your time. 

You can check out the book here. 

About Adam Grant

Adam Grant is well-qualified to speak on topics of innovation and leadership. 

As a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on organizational psychology. 

He specializes in how people can find motivation, challenge assumptions, and lead creative and generous lives. Grant is recognized globally, ranking as the #2 most influential management thinkers and featured in Fortune’s 40 under 40. He is a bestselling author of six books, a popular TED speaker, and a consultant for notable clients like Google and the NBA. His insights are regularly featured in the New York Times, and he also contributes to podcasts and social media, reaching millions worldwide.

Basically, Grant has walked the walk so he can talk the talk. This, in my opinion, is a large factor in creating a bestselling book. You need to have the authority on your topic before you can expect others to listen to what you have to say about it.

You can check out his website here. 

What Makes It A Bestseller 

“Originals” by Adam Grant stands out as a bestseller due to several specific factors:

• Adam Grant’s background as a top-rated professor at Wharton and an organizational psychologist grounds the book in rigorous academic research, enhancing its credibility. 
• The book’s themes of innovation, and challenging the status quo resonate across multiple sectors, appealing to a specific audience (rebels) across several industries. 
• Grant provides practical advice and frameworks, not just theories, enabling readers to apply the concepts in their everyday lives and workplaces.
• The book uses a narrative style filled with compelling stories from various fields.
• Grant simplifies complex psychological and organizational theories accessible and relatable. 

Kay Takeaways When Writing Your Book

Start by leveraging your unique experiences and expertise to offer fresh perspectives and deep insights. 

If you have done any research on your topic, use it in your book to bolster your credibility. Audiences today want to know why they should listen to you. When you craft your book you need to give them a reason why they should believe the words you say and the tactics you offer.

Also, remember your audience doesn’t have to be limited to a specific industry. You should be specific about who you want to reach, but reaching a “rebel” for example is a highly specific person who could be in various different industries. Your audience can be specialized, without being confined to an industry. A non-fiction book that stands out (particularly in the business and self-help genre), and gets named a bestseller, typically earns that title by solving a problem or need. The more you understand your audience, the better you can speak to their problems, and the more relevant your book becomes.