Author Highlight: Adam Grant

This is our first Author Highlight.

There are some prolific authors whose work aligns with the CORE framework and philosophy so well, they warrant their own page. Adam Grant is one of those authors.

Dr. Grant is known for his powerful insights into human behavior, leadership, and personal growth. His books provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to inspire innovation and continuous improvement.

Here’s a look at each of Adam Grant’s books and how they resonate with the CORE Framework principles.

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success (2013)

Summary:
In Give and Take, Grant introduces the idea that people interact as givers, takers, or matchers. Givers, who contribute without expecting immediate returns, ultimately succeed more in the long run. The book shares strategies on how to be a successful giver while avoiding burnout.

CORE Connection:
This book ties into the Engaging pillar of the CORE Framework. As educators, we can create a culture where students support each other’s learning. By promoting a "giving" mindset, we cultivate collaboration in the classroom, making learning more engaging and fostering a sense of community. Students become active participants in each other’s growth, which leads to more meaningful learning experiences.

Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World (2016)

Summary:
Originals is all about championing new ideas and questioning the status quo. Grant highlights how creativity, risk-taking, and non-conformity can lead to groundbreaking changes in industries and organizations.

CORE Connection:
The Relevant and Engaging pillars of the CORE Framework are perfectly reflected in Originals. This book reminds educators to encourage students to think critically and creatively. By fostering original thinking and promoting risk-taking in a supportive environment, we make learning relevant to real-world challenges and deeply engaging for students. We push them to explore new ideas and perspectives, preparing them for innovation in their future careers.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy (2017) (with Sheryl Sandberg)

Summary:
Option B explores how individuals can overcome adversity, build resilience, and find joy even after significant setbacks. Through personal stories and research, the book teaches readers to develop emotional strength and support networks.

CORE Connection:
This book resonates with the Engaging and Relevant pillars of the CORE Framework. In education, resilience is critical for both students and educators. By integrating lessons on overcoming setbacks into the curriculum, we create a culture where students can learn from failure and grow stronger. Option B shows how to create a safe space where students feel supported and encouraged to keep moving forward, which is essential for deep engagement and long-term success.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know (2021)

Summary:
Think Again encourages readers to rethink their assumptions and stay curious about new ideas. Grant explores the importance of intellectual humility, adaptability, and the willingness to question long-held beliefs.

CORE Connection:
Think Again closely aligns with the Concise and Relevant pillars of the CORE Framework. Educators must be open to rethinking their teaching practices and be willing to adapt content to stay relevant to their students. By fostering a culture of curiosity and re-evaluation in the classroom, we can encourage students to remain lifelong learners, continually questioning and updating their knowledge. This keeps education fresh, focused, and up-to-date with evolving needs.

Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things (2023)

Summary:
Grant’s latest book, Hidden Potential, explores how people can unlock their full potential by overcoming limitations, developing perseverance, and using strategic growth techniques. The book emphasizes that achieving greatness is less about innate talent and more about the effort and strategy one applies.

CORE Connection:
This book fits well with the Engaging and Relevant pillars of the CORE Framework. By helping students recognize and unlock their hidden potential, educators can create engaging, purpose-driven learning experiences that challenge students to grow beyond their perceived limitations. It aligns with the idea of helping students develop a growth mindset and fostering an environment where perseverance and effort are recognized and rewarded.

How Adam Grant’s Books Inform the CORE Framework

Grant’s body of work encourages continuous growth, creativity, and resilience—principles that mirror the CORE Framework’s focus on education that is Concise, Organized, Relevant, and Engaging. Whether it’s promoting collaboration in Give and Take, encouraging original thinking in Originals, or advocating for resilience in Option B, Grant’s ideas are invaluable for educators seeking to create meaningful, effective learning environments.

His books are essential reading for anyone in education. Each book offers unique insights that can be applied to the classroom, helping educators develop innovative and student-centered approaches to teaching. By integrating the lessons from these books, educators and education leaders can enhance their ability to foster curiosity, resilience, creativity, and growth in their students (and faculty) — ultimately preparing them to navigate the complexities of the modern world.