Adam Grant is an American psychologist and author who has written extensively on the topics of giving, creativity, and work. He is currently a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Grant has been recognized as one of the world’s top 50 business thinkers by Thinkers50, and as one of the world’s most influential management thinkers by Fortune magazine.
In 2016, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Grant’s work has been praised for its insights into human behavior and its practical implications for businesses and organizations.
Here are some books recommended by Adam Grant that can help you become a better giver:
A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug by Sarah Lacy
In her book, A Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug, Sarah Lacy sets out to correct the many misconceptions about women in the workplace.
She argues that the female body is not a liability, but an asset that should be celebrated.
Lacy cites research that shows that women are better multitaskers and have greater emotional intelligence than men.
She also debunks the myth that women are more prone to office drama and backstabbing.
The book is a call to arms for companies to create workplaces that are more inclusive of women. Lacy argues that when women are given the opportunity to thrive, everyone benefits.
All You Have to Do Is Ask by Wayne Baker
In his book, All You Have to Do Is Ask, author Wayne Baker reveals the power of asking for what you want.
By simply asking for what you want, you can open the door to opportunities that you never thought possible.
Baker shares stories of people who have used the power of asking to achieve their goals. He also provides tips on how to effectively ask for what you want.
By following Baker’s advice, you can learn how to get what you want in life.
Clearer, Closer, Better by Emily Balcetis
In her book Clearer, Closer, Better, Emily Balcetis explores the power of vision in our lives. Our ability to see clearly can impact everything from the way we interact with others to the way we see ourselves.
Balcetis shares research and stories that show how our vision can be improved and why it’s so important to pay attention.
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
Celeste Headlee’s book, Do Nothing, is a timely call to action for Americans who are feeling overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle and the constant demands of work and family.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget how important it is to slow down and take a break.
Headlee argues that we need to do more than just take a vacation or a mental health day; we need to learn how to truly relax and recharge.
This isn’t always easy, but Headlee offers readers practical tips for how to disconnect from the noise and stress of daily life.
Whether you’re looking for ways to reduce your screen time, unplug from social media, or simply find more time for yourself, Do Nothing is an essential read.
Eat a Peach by David Chang
David Chang, the acclaimed chef behind Momofuku and author of the book Eat a Peach, is on a mission to change the way we think about food.
In his book, Chang explores the idea that food should be enjoyed for its own sake, and not just for its nutritional value or calorie count.
He challenges readers to rethink their relationship with food and to approach it with a sense of adventure and curiosity.
Chang’s book is both a love letter to food and a call to action for those who have become too comfortable with their eating habits.
It’s time to break out of our food ruts and start exploring new flavors and ingredients. And what better way to do that than by following David Chang’s lead?
Friendship by Lydia Denworth
In her book Friendship, Lydia Denworth explores the many different facets of this complex relationship. She delves into the history of friendship, its evolution over time, and how it has been affected by technology.
Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, Denworth offers readers a comprehensive look at what it means to be a friend in today’s world.
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
In his book, Arthur Brooks argues that the key to a good life is found in strength. He writes that the strongest people are not necessarily the physically strongest, but rather those who have the strength of character to overcome adversity.
Brooks draws on his own life experiences to illustrate how strength can lead to success. He offers readers practical advice on how to build strength in their own lives and become the best version of themselves.
Get It Done by Ayelet Fishbach
Ayelet Fishbach’s book “Get It Done” is all about how to be productive and get things done. The book is full of tips and tricks on how to be more efficient and effective in your work.
It also includes a lot of real-life examples of people who have used these techniques to great effect. If you’re looking for a way to get more out of your workday, this book is definitely for you.
How to Decide by Annie Duke
In her book, How to Decide, Annie Duke provides readers with a framework for making better decisions. Duke begins by discussing the importance of understanding one’s own decision-making process.
She then provides a step-by-step guide for how to identify and assess options, make trade-offs, and choose an optimal course of action. Finally, Duke offers advice on how to deal with decision regret and how to become a more effective decision-maker over time.
With clear explanations and real-world examples, How to Decide is an essential read for anyone looking to improve their decision-making skills.
Whether you’re trying to decide which job offer to accept or what investments to make, this book will help you find the best possible solution.
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeleine Dore
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today is a book by Madeleine Dore that offers a unique and refreshing take on the age-old question of why we procrastinate.
Dore contends that procrastination is not a character flaw or a sign of laziness, but rather a perfectly normal reaction to the overwhelming and often contradictory demands of modern life.
By understanding the root causes of our procrastination, she argues, we can learn to overcome it and lead more productive, fulfilling lives.
Joy at Work by Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo, the world-renowned decluttering expert, has a book out about bringing joy to your work life. In “Joy at Work,” Kondo shares her tips and advice for creating a happier, more productive workplace.
If you’re looking for ways to find more joy in your work life, this book is definitely for you. Kondo’s tips and advice are based on her own experience of decluttering and organizing hundreds of homes and offices.
By following her simple steps, you can clear the clutter from your desk, reduce stress, and boost your productivity.
Life Is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler
In his book, Bruce Feiler argues that life is in transition. He writes that we are constantly moving from one stage to another and that it is in these moments of change that we grow and learn.
Feiler provides readers with a roadmap for navigating these transitions, offering advice on how to deal with uncertainty, how to find support, and how to stay positive during times of change.
Whether you’re transitioning into a new job, a new relationship or a new phase of life, Feiler’s book will provide you with the tools you need to make the most of every opportunity.
Making Numbers Count by Chip Heath and Karla Starr
In their book Making Numbers Count, Chip Heath and Karla Starr explore the ways in which people interact with numbers on a daily basis. The book provides readers with a better understanding of how to use numbers effectively in their lives.
Through real-world examples and accessible language, Heath and Starr show readers that numbers can be used to improve decision-making, better understand complex problems, and make more informed choices.
With its clear and concise explanations, Making Numbers Count is an essential resource for anyone looking to make sense of the numbers in their life.
Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman
In Masters of Scale, Reid Hoffman sets out to explore how businesses can achieve incredible growth.
Drawing on his own experience as co-founder and CEO of LinkedIn, as well as the experiences of other business leaders, Hoffman provides a blueprint for achieving scale.
Hoffman argues that there are three key ingredients to achieving scale: focus, simplicity, and courage.
First, businesses must focus on a single core mission. Second, they must keep things simple – both in terms of their product offerings and their organizational structures.
And finally, they must have the courage to take risks and experiment constantly.
With these three ingredients in place, any business can achieve scale. As Hoffman shows us, the key is to think big, start small, and move fast.
More Myself by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys has always been candid about her life and career, but in her book, “More Myself,” she opens up even more about her journey.
Keys was born and raised in New York City, and she started playing the piano when she was just four years old. She went on to attend the Professional Performing Arts School, where she honed her skills as a musician.
After signing with Columbia Records at the age of 15, Keys released her debut album, “Songs in A Minor,” which shot to the top of the charts and earned her five Grammy Awards.
In “More Myself,” Keys chronicles her life and career, sharing intimate details about her marriage, motherhood, and battle with anxiety. She also writes about the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to yourself.
New Power by Jeremy Heimans
In his book, Jeremy Heimans examines the rise of “new power” and its implications for the future. Heimans, the co-founder of Purpose and Avaaz, is one of the world’s leading experts on new power.
In the book, he argues that traditional forms of power are increasingly being replaced by new forms of power that are more participatory, decentralized, and networked.
Heimans makes a compelling case for why we need to pay attention to new power. He offers insights into how it can be used for good or bad, and how we can harness its potential to create a more just and equitable world.
The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the shifting landscape of power in the 21st century.
Perfectly Confident by Don A Moore
In his book, Perfectly Confident, Don A. Moore explores the role of confidence in our lives and how we can achieve it.
Moore, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, draws on his years of research to show that confidence is not only essential to success but also something that we can all learn.
With practical advice and real-world examples, Moore shows us how to boost our confidence and achieve our goals.
Powershift by Daymond John
Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart
Rise by Lindsey Vonn
Social Chemistry by Marissa King
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
Switch by Chip Heath
The 4 Day Week by Andrew Barnes
The Black Agenda edited by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
The Eye Test by Chris Jones
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
The Puzzler by A.J. Jacobs
The Revenge of Power by Moises Naim
Think Like a Rocket Scientist by Ozan Varol
Thirst by Scott Harrison
Tightrope by Nicholas D. Kristof
Together by Vivek H Murthy M.D.
Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman
Upstream by Dan Heath
Weird by Olga Khazan
The Power of Regret by Dan Pink
What’s Your Problem? by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg
You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy
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