by Adam Grant
The Izzy Way Book Review
Have you ever read a book that seeks to break the mould and challenge your thoughts, ideas, and approaches? Well, Originals did just that and then some. The concepts outlined are not necessarily original per se. Still, they can flip your current thinking upside down and make you question why you didn’t think of it before. Originals give me another way to explain my approaches and some new ones to consider and add to my toolkit.
Concept #1 – Reverse Déjà vu – Vuja De
Grant asks you to consider the concept of reverse déjà vu, where you see the same problem from a fresh pair of eyes or lenses. When we tackle an existing challenge with a new perspective, we can “gain new insights into old problems” and break the barriers that have kept us in the old way of working.
Key takeaway: Jobs are not static sculptures but flexible building blocks.
By breaking the norm “Vuja de,” we can all see new possibilities in our current roles to find those small or large shifts that make us a little more original in our growth potential. It might help you identify unique or original qualities that give you confidence and bragging rights in your next interview, one-on-one with your direct leader, or performance review.
My Leadership Learning:
Vuja De is a reminder that leadership stagnation often comes from familiarity, not complacency. The longer we stay in a role, the easier it becomes to stop questioning how things are done. As a leader, I need to intentionally disrupt that comfort by looking at my work, my team, and persistent challenges through fresh lenses.
This concept reinforces that leadership isn’t about preserving job descriptions or legacy processes—it’s about continuously reshaping work to fit current realities. When I practice vuja de, I’m more likely to challenge outdated assumptions, invite diverse perspectives, and experiment with small changes that create meaningful impact. Just as importantly, it helps me encourage my team to see their roles as flexible building blocks for growth, ownership, and originality.
At its core, Vuja de calls for deliberate curiosity—treating familiar problems as if I’m seeing them for the first time.
Concept #2 – Putting Worst Foot Forward
Grant asks you to consider four advantages of challenging the age-old concept of leading with strengths. Don’t get me wrong, there are certainly situations where you absolutely should lead with strengths, but only sometimes. I agree with the author that you can gain much in each situation when you lead with your worst foot forward, a weakness or a work-in-progress trait.
Key takeaway: Starting with a weakness rather than a strength can help in certain situations.
Grant suggests that leading with weakness can disarm your audience and make you look smarter. Being upfront about the downsides of your ideas is what makes you trustworthy. In many situations, I tend to share my weaknesses (with a positive slant – work-in-progress). Still, I know there are times when leading with strength is necessary. Remember, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor an original idea, just potentially a new one for you.
My Leadership Learning:
The book tested my assumptions, allowing me to seek opportunities to wear a different hat and challenge me to take action to drive change in myself and others. Consider adding it to you reading list, especially if you are a leader who can take the concepts Grant shares to mentor, coach, and transform your team.
I would love to hear your thoughts/takeaways on the book if you have given it a read.
Check out my other book recommendations.
theizzyway.ca 