Aspen Lecture: Originals—How Nonconformists Move the World
Setup
The world doesn’t lack for creative ideas — it lacks people to champion them. Once you have an idea, how do you communicate it? Adam Grant, Wharton’s top-rated professor and a New York Times bestselling author of Originals, will share insights on how to speak up without getting silenced, and how to find allies in unexpected places.
Speakers
- 2016 Festival
- Society
- Full transcript
Take risks on novel ideas
Whether in a corporate boardroom, government office, or non-profit workspace, coming up with innovative and impactful ideas often means taking risks. Risk-taking is scary, though, and it of course comes with inherent dangers. So how can we ideate both originally and responsibly? Professor and author Adam Grant thinks we should remove both ourselves and our managers from the gatekeeping process and let the wisdom of peers guide our decisions.
Lessons learned
Make the unfamiliar familiar
“The Lion King” was a groundbreaking piece of cinematography that was as much a box office success as an artistic success. Adam Grant thinks of the film a different way, however. Watch as Grant explains how the movie masterfully retells an old storyline for a new audience who can appreciate it in a different way:
Fight groupthink — carefully
Groupthink not only quashes good ideas, but it also stops people from speaking up when they see problems.
Find allies in unlikely places
We all need help to see our ideas through, but who should we rely on to take our ideas and turn them into action? Adam Grant thinks we need to be discerning about who we choose as allies, and it’s not always who we first think of:
Put values before rules
Some parents think of rules as the most powerful tool they can wield, but are they actually good for children? Adam Grant doesn’t think so. Grant thinks rules are only valuable when children understand the principles behind them.
Big IdeaThe whole point of tying rules to values is, then instead of following rules and conforming to authority, kids actually develop principles for themselves. And they think for themselves. And they’re much more likely, when they’re confronted with something they disagree with or don’t believe in, to challenge it.Adam Grant
Grant also draws on Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindsets to argue that we should think of praising children in the same way. If children do something well, don’t praise the behavior and instead praise the person or principle behind the behavior. That internalizes the notion that values, not behavior, are what shape their identities.
Learn More
Additional Information
Explore More
Society
The quest for work-life balance is never ending for many of us. The advice in this talk from the 2023 Aspen Ideas Festival still holds a lot of relevance, so we’re bringing it...
Living as a trans person in America comes with its share of challenges, which are sometimes even life-threatening. But some say it can also open up access to incredible freedo...
Global conflicts and health crises have put into stark relief deeply-ingrained gender roles in society. Yet the past years have also seen record-high numbers of women running...
The people in our lives shape who we are. But great relationships don’t just happen — they take care, intention, and ongoing effort. How do you know when to let go, adjust exp...
Advances in medicine and healthy living mean that more and more people will live to be 100. But just because their bodies can last doesn’t mean their bank accounts will keep u...
In the early days of cable television, there wasn’t a single network aimed at Black audiences. Sheila Johnson and her husband at the time saw an opening, and put all their hop...
Owning a professional sports team is not for the faint of heart. Results are volatile and wins and losses come with the strong emotions of a city’s fan base. But it’s a sound...
Looking around and experiencing the suffering and injustice in the world can make it difficult to believe that happiness exists. But the Judeo-Christian tradition teaches that...
This episode is from the 2022 Aspen Ideas Festival, but we’re bringing it back because it’s still as relevant as ever. Though it can sometimes feel like conflict and discord i...
Sir Ken Robinson believed that as a society, we tragically underestimate and underutilize human ability. We create linear systems for our minds modeled on industry and manufac...
Young people in America are struggling. The causes are varied and may not be entirely clear, but the results are unfortunately unmistakable. Many of our youth feel lonely, iso...
New York Times columnist and bestselling author David Brooks is known for bringing his thoughtful reflections on politics and culture, but at this year’s Aspen Ideas Festival,...
Jump in by watching our 15 most popular talks of all time. From black holes to jazz and civil rights to psychology hacks, we've collected the talks that remain audience favori...
Finding the national and global headlines understandably bleak lately? Whether you need mental distraction or stimulation, engross yourself in compelling topics and get a gli...
Today's kids are coming of age against a backdrop of political, social, technological and economic upheaval. While these circumstances are shaping a precocious generation that...
Hope seems like a simple concept, but the feeling can be difficult to hold onto. And when times are difficult and chaos swirls around us, it’s more important than ever. How do...
Advocates, healthcare providers, legislators, researchers, and venture capitalists are bringing the unique health needs of women to light – from vigorous policy debates on iss...
Ethical dilemmas, stakeholder pressure, building trust — leading organizations requires wisdom and stamina from the top. Who wouldn’t want some advice?
What makes us happy — really? How can we raise resilient and empathetic children? What does it mean to be truly connected in our increasingly digital world? Can we re-instill...
Our need for human connection is profound and deep. Yet, today, one in two adults are living with measurable levels of loneliness – and the numbers are even higher among young...
