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.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy

The author is a very successful Silicon Valley businesswoman. One day while they were on a vacation, her husband died suddenly in a hotel gym. This book is the story of how she went through the process with additional content from the co-author. One key part was finding people that have experience something similar. Often friends will be reluctant to provide support in challenging times, thinking that they are interfering. These are times that people often need the most social interaction. However, everyone is different. Some people need to cope by going right back to work. Others need a long time off. Regardless of the immediate approach, there is a need to eventually move on. 

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know

Think Again is another good book on debunking psychological "junk". People tend to adopt beliefs and hold tight to them. Contrary information often does little to change these entrenched beliefs. Opposing arguments may even help them build up the beliefs.

How do we get people to adopt new beliefs?

Often listening can be a powerful option. Asking somebody how something will be implemented can lead to a rethinking. It is easier to advocate for a change than actual implement a change. The author gives an example of a "vaccine whisperer" doctor that has had success in getting anti-vaxers to vaccinate. Instead of trying to preach or cajole the person into vaccination, the doctor listened to the patient's reasons for not vaccinating and respected their decision, regardless of what it was. The doctor helped the patient to understand the situation and make decisions of their own.

Polarized views often make it difficult to change thoughts. Hearing the view from "the other side" often serves to strengthen the original views. People are more likely to "convert" when exposed to the "shades of grade" in the nuances of each view. Fewer arguments will often work better than more.

Being open to change is an important thing for us to adapt in our lives. It is useful to spend time revisiting some of our views and goals. Do we really want to be working in our current career? Do we know why we hold certain beliefs that we do? Children can be helped by having discussions of changes in belief from the past and the present. Taking time to revise a drawing or other work can help us be exposed to different views of how to do it. Change is power, but challenging.