The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man. ― George Bernard Shaw
Years ago…a radical company dared to believe they could sell shoes…online. In a matter of years, they grew a multi-million dollar business that was acquired by Amazon. Perhaps even crazier is the story of a group of college students that believed they could revolutionize the prescription eyewear business by going online and competing with Luxottica – the company that controlled 80% of the market.
In his book, Originals, Adam Grant encourages readers to consider that the world will be changed by those that reject conformity and choose to see the world through the lenses of creativity and find new paths and solutions. However, Grant immediately addresses a couple of the myths of these creators. For example, not all innovators are unafraid of risk. Specifically, there are many creators who did NOT quit their jobs and go “all in” immediately. Examples like Phil Knight and John Legend demonstrate that some of the most successful entrepreneurs held onto their day jobs in the beginning stages of their journey.
Perhaps my favorite part of this book is Grant’s focus on idea selection. Many have accepted the idea that the most successful entrepreneurs are those that have the ideas. However, Grant helps the reader see that the best innovators are actually the ones able to select and focus on the right ideas. The classic example of an idea that shouldn’t be selected is the Segway. Some of the greatest innovators were unable to adequately assess the weaknesses in this innovative transportation device and as a result lost millions. Conversely, a few in Hollywood ignored traditional wisdom because they saw something special in a show about nothing…Seinfeld. There will always be ideas, but the ability to pick the right ones is really the difference.
Now, more than ever, we need people that pick the right ideas and fight for those ideas. Perhaps, as Grant suggests, more of us could be these people with focus and training.
Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong ― Adam M. Grant