Book Review: Rebel Ideas by Matthew Syed

To this day, I think Matthew Syed’s Black Box Thinking is the book I recommend the most. It changed the way I thought about mistakes and innovation. So when I saw his 2020 release “Rebel Ideas: The power of thinking differently”* in a local bookshop, I knew I had to have it. I’m fascinated by the power of thinking, and how this impacts the world we live in and the ways we work. If you are too, then you need to get your hands on this book!

 

So, what is it about? … Rebel Ideas* examines the power of cognitive diversity – the ability to think differently about the world around us …. It shows us how to be more creative, how to collaborate in a world being more interconnected, and how to break free of the echo chambers that surround us all”. Syed demonstrates these concepts through involved challenging case studies, ranging from the failings of the CIA pre-9/11, a fatal Mount Everest expedition, and deradicalization in the USA to the COVID-19 crisis. It shines a light on the confusion so many of us feel when we hear of issues and wonder why, in hindsight, these life-changing events occur.

 

But it doesn’t just focus on seeming disasters, it shines a light on how we can understand more about how damaging dynamics can occur in smaller and corporate settings, and, most importantly, how we can actively move to a culture of collective intelligence and inclusion. If you have any interest in teams, inclusion, social justice, personal development or education, then this is a book you need to add to your physical or electronic library today!

 

So over to Clara Cliff Notes. Here are the five things that you need to know from Rebel Ideas*:

 

1. Aspire for collective intelligence

In whichever setting you are in, if you need to problem-solve or create ideas, don’t aspire to have a “leader”. From recruitment processes to friendship groups, consider the cognitive diversity that comes from different perspectives, insights, experiences, cultural frames of reference and thinking styles. Don’t assume there is a standard person that is within the group; pay attention to their individuality and use it!

 

2. You don’t know your blind spots

However reflective you are, you can’t see your blind spots; this can get worse when you are surrounded by similar people that reinforce your thoughts and life experiences. It is less taxing for you when everyone thinks the same. What makes this worse, is over time groups tend to come together and agree on the dominant beliefs (referred to as assimilation), which bury your blind spots even deeper! Ask yourself, how does your work, life and environment encourage collaboration of “group think”. 

 

3. You are biased

However open-minded you may think you are, you are a human being, that is driven to notice the information that supports your beliefs. You may have heard the phrase “echo chamber” when it comes to politics or religious beliefs, but this happens everywhere. How many times have you disregarded a colleague’s opinions because they are not part of “your team”, or automatically follow a manager’s strategy as they are the “expert”? Pay attention to how you critique ideas, and how others view yours. Don’t forget that “  an echo chamber is what happens when you don’t trust the other side”. 

 

4. Don’t defer to the HIPPO

No, I’m not talking about the animal, I’m talking about the “highest-paid person’s opinion”. This may need a change in your hierarchical assumptions, and, for work, a significant cultural shift, but pay attention to “dominance dynamics”. The book shows, several times over, how NOT deferring to the HIPPO can improve safety, productivity and innovation. It’s interesting to observe that the fewer people feel in control, the more they are drawn toward hierarchies in their personal and professional life. A question for you to reflect on!

 

5. Never stop developing

The result is clear. You never stop learning. A rebel idea helps the stagnant best practice become “best so far”, outings become safer, workers are happier, and people are open to connecting to those who can add value to their lives, not replicate their opinions.

 

This book is eye-opening and is a must-read for everyone. You will walk away with a different perspective on your understanding of “excellent ideas” and development; let’s make sure that your ideas become rebellious!

 

Have you read this book? Come along to Creating Careers to Enjoy and let me know your thought. You can read the previous book reviews here.

 

*This link is an affiliate link. If you click and buy, I may get a small commission.