Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World

Adam Grant explores how people are "Original" and make key contributions to society. These Originals would be like the people in an Apple "Think Different" ad. They are willing to go against the grain and make change in society. The counterintuitive conclusions are among the most interesting. Those that are most successful breaking out of one area, are usually quite grounded in others. Successful entrepreneurs are likely to stick with another job as they are kicking the tires on their new enterprise. They keep the base to allow them to go out in other areas. 

The first mover does not often have the advantage. Intead, waiting on the sidelines until ready to pounce with the best solution is often the hallmark of greater success. (Even in places like social networks where there is a huge first mover advantage, companies like Facebook have succeeded where Friendster and Myspace have floundered.)

Encouraging descent and open conversation are also valuable for better decisions. People prefer to agree with those around them. This can lead to a chorus of yes men. Even requiring somebody to play a devil's advocate does not work as well as having somebody that really disagrees.

Praising people for their actions also has a different result than praising them for a behavior. Somebody that is a "Good person" will try to get that praise in other scenarios, where a good deed will not necessarily build that character. (This approach can also backfire in discouraging people from doing hard work.)

The meat of the book are up front with some meandering business approaches toward the end.