Adam Grant Books: Motivation, Inspiration, and Food for Thought
For over a decade, Adam Grant has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of traditional thinking and publishing groundbreaking research in behavioral economics and organizational psychology. His teachings challenge conventional wisdom and provide fresh insights into human behavior.
They expound on topics like motivation, generosity, and reciprocity. These are also the prevailing themes in most of Adam Grant’s books.
Adam Grant’s books provide excellent guides to:
- Stay resilient in the face of adversity
- Develop a critical and non-conformist thinking pattern
- Question assumptions and traditional beliefs
- Become empathic and collaborative
- Learn effective leadership in the workplace
Let’s explore some of Adam Grant’s own books as well as some of his favorite books from his reading list and enjoy them as an abstract or listen to them as short and captivating audio summaries.
The Unique World and Mind of Adam Grant
Adam Grant is an American psychologist and bestselling author. He studied at Harvard and the University of Michigan and worked as a professor of organizational psychology at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Apart from being rated one of the top business professors in the world, Adam Grant has impacted the world incredibly with his innovative research. Furthermore, he is renowned for his TED Talks, bestselling books, media presence, and collaborations with other notable figures in the business, psychology, and personal development niches.
Adam Grant Books to Read
1. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know
Think Again
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Published in 2021,Think Again takes you on a journey to rethinking and challenging your beliefs and improving your decision-making, personal growth, and creativity through embracing intellectual humility.
In this book, Adam teaches the importance of admitting when you make mistakes and learning from them. He argues that the fear of accepting one’s error could hinder growth and innovation. This Adam Grant book also explores the importance of unlearning outdated knowledge, being open to new perceptions, and eschewing cognitive biases.
2. Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Option B
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
InOption B, Adam Grant collaborates with Sheryl Sandberg to give actionable insights on how to find happiness again after going through a life-shattering experience. This insightful Adam Grant book revolves around Sheryl’s dilemma after the traffic death of her husband. It shows how Adam’s groundbreaking research on adversity lays out the steps she took in overcoming her grief.
The authors present what they describe as the Three P’s that exacerbate negative emotions, namely Personalization, Pervasiveness, and Permanence. They also aim to enlighten us on how to overcome them and achieve post-traumatic growth.
3. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
Originals
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
InOriginals, Adam Grant explores how creative, non-conformist and innovative thinking brings meaningful change to the world. In his usual manner, Adam Grant describes the mindset of people with original ideas who challenge conventional wisdom and group thinking.
He also demonstrates the dangers of procrastination, how to overcome the fear of failure, and how one can nurture creativity and be resilient to societal influence.
4. Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success
Give and Take
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Give and Take examines the role of reciprocity in achieving success in professional and social settings. In this book, Adam Grants divides humans into three basic personalities: givers, takers, and matchers.
As the terms suggest, givers are dedicated to giving, takers are more interested in taking, and matchers give as much as they receive. The book elucidates the power of giving and strategic giving, effective networking, and how this culminates in success.
Adam Grant’s Book Recommendations
Besides being a revolutionary author, Adam Grant is also an avid reader who regularly recommends life-changing books that boost motivation. Some of his favorites include:
1. The Perfection Trap by Thomas Curran
Adam Grant refers to Thomas Curran as the master of the psychology of perfection. This book explains the rise of perfectionism and blames it for the high level of depression and burnout in today’s society. It instructs us on how to stop fearing failure and dwelling on our mistakes.
2. Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter
According to Grant, this book is the perfect antidote for anyone who feels like they’re languishing or stuck. Using his personal experience and the stories of different athletes, Professor Alter shares his concept of a “friction audit.”
He gives valuable insight into how to identify the sources of friction that are holding us back and achieve a breakthrough by removing ourselves from these emotions or habits.
3. The Song of Significance by Seth Godin
InThe Song of Significance, renowned author Seth Godin contemplates why things are currently the way they are and why economic situations keep getting worse. The book decries the rise of remote work and the growing disconnect between employers and their subordinates, leading to many layoffs and resignations.
It digs into the root of these trends and suggests ways in which to assure people that their work is appreciated and respected.
4. Your Future Self by Hal Hirschfield
Your Future Selfis a fascinating guide that aims to help readers set themselves up for a better life. The author argues that every human wants a glamorous future, but many do not make the right choices and decisions that would help them reach that destination.
He further provides insights on making better choices concerning your health, finances, work, and relationships with others.
5. Range by David Epstein
InRange, renowned author David Epstein challenges the conventional belief that specialization is the key to success. Instead, he argues that being a generalist with a broad range of experiences is more instrumental to becoming successful. He highlights the benefits of interdisciplinary thinking and how one can apply a wide range of insights to solving complex problems.
Delve even further into Adam Grant’sreading list and embrace his take on psychology, corporate culture, success, and happiness.
Diversity of Thought: Life Hacks and Wisdom by Adam Grant
Adam Grant has always advocated diversity of thought. He believes one’s mind shouldn’t rigidly hold on to their convictions. Instead, one should embrace diverse perspectives and viewpoints. He advocates that this lifestyle of open-mindedness is key to innovation, creativity, and wise decision-making at all stages of life.
Adam Grant echoes this belief during his interview onTiffany Bova’s “What’s Next.” In this episode, he advocates that hiring managers should prioritize employing people with a diversity of thoughts and talents, as they make excellent team members.
Make Your Own Blinkist Reading List
As the popular saying goes, the books you read shape your mindset and determine who you become. If you want to develop a mindset like Adam Grant’s, why not start by checking out
Blinkist’s carefully curated reading list on subject categories likepsychology,personal growth,motivation and inspiration andproductivity to name but a few. Dive in, read, listen, and absorb, and soon you will be able to create your very own Blinkist reading lists.
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If you’re interested in articles about a broad range of topics, life hacks, interesting quotes, more book recommendations, similar to this list about Adam Grant books, then don’t forget to check out theBlinkist Magazine and stay up to date.
Blinkist’s short and captivating abstracts and audio summaries of your chosen books contain all the pertinent key ideas of these books, and you only have to spend fifteen minutes to access all the knowledge contained within them. What a marvelously simple way to broaden your mind! Start yourfree trial now! Start Your Blinkist Free Trial Now
Robyn S. Kerkhof Robyn ist leitende Redakteurin und Kuratorin bei Blinkist – und gesegnet mit dem herzlichsten Lachen des Büros. Sie hat Linguistik, Japanologie sowie Film- und Literaturwissenschaft in Berlin, Tokio und Oxford studiert, und ist vernarrt in die Farbkombo Petrol & Senfgelb. Ihr Masterplan: Eines Tages nach Sri Lanka auswandern. \nRobyns Lieblingsbuch ist Das geheime Leben der Bäume von Peter Wohlleben.
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