Adam Grant is an organisational psychologist at the Wharton School and host of the podcast WorkLife. His 2013 book Give and Take changed how researchers talk about generosity at work, and he has since written several bestselling books on motivation and originality.
Who is Adam Grant?
Adam Grant is a professor, researcher and writer whose work focuses on how people succeed together. He is known for pairing rigorous research with memorable stories, and for writing books that challenge popular assumptions — that giving is a weakness, that talent is fixed, or that innovation requires a big idea.
Adam Grant’s books
- Give and Take — his defining book on generosity and success
- Originals — how people with ideas actually push them through
- Think Again — why changing your mind is a skill, not a failure
Where should you start?
Start with Give and Take. It is the clearest introduction to his research and his voice.
Key ideas in Adam Grant’s work
- Givers can finish first — generous people succeed most when they set boundaries
- Originals are not reckless — the most successful innovators are careful rule-breakers
- Think again — re-examining an opinion is a strength rather than a weakness
- Regret can be useful — looking back honestly can guide better decisions now
Frequently asked questions
What is Adam Grant best known for?
Adam Grant is best known for Give and Take, which demonstrated that generous people can be the most successful.
Should I read Give and Take first?
Yes. It is his most influential book and the best introduction to his research.
