Rebel Ideas

Synopsis

'I like listening to people who know things that I don't,' Gareth Southgate told me. 'That's how you learn.'

Former Olympian and best-selling author Matthew Syed is one of the advisors Gareth Southgate engaged from outside football in order to find new ways of working as a team. In Rebel Ideas, discover how Southgate 'the man with the plan' replaced 50 years of hurt with two major tournament semi-finals in three years.'

Matthew Syed's phenomenal bestseller will change the way you think about success - for ever.

'Syed is a superb storyteller. I couldn't put the book down, and I learned so much. A stunning achievement' Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist

Rebel Ideas examines the power of 'cognitive diversity' - the ability to think differently about the world around us.

It explains how to harness our unique perspectives, pool our collective intelligence and tackle the greatest challenges of our age - from climate change to terrorism. It draws on a dazzling range of case studies, including the catastrophic failings of the CIA before 9/11, a fatal communication breakdown on top of Mount Everest and a moving tale of deradicalisation in America's Deep South.

Rebel Ideas will strengthen any team or organisation, but has dozens of individual applications, too: from the art of reinvention to the remarkable benefits of personalised nutrition. It shows us how to become more creative, how to collaborate in a world becoming more interconnected, and how to break free of echo chambers that surround us all.

Now updated with a new chapter on the Covid-19 crisis

'A gripping read, full of intelligence and perspective' James Dyson

'Will change the way you think about success and even about life' Judy Murray

'A master of the genre' The Times

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Power of Nonconformity

* Explores the benefits of challenging conventional wisdom and embracing unconventional ideas.
* Real Example: Steve Jobs, who questioned established norms in the tech industry to create revolutionary products.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Dissent

* Discusses the role of dissent in fostering innovation and driving progress.
* Real Example: Marie Curie, who faced skepticism and opposition for her scientific discoveries but ultimately revolutionized the field of physics.

Chapter 3: The Art of Productive Disruption

* Outlines strategies for disrupting established systems and creating positive change.
* Real Example: Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the civil rights movement.

Chapter 4: The Value of Cognitive Diversity

* Highlights the importance of seeking out perspectives that differ from your own to expand your understanding.
* Real Example: The World Economic Forum's focus on bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds to solve global challenges.

Chapter 5: The Power of Curiosity

* Examines the role of curiosity in fueling innovation and leading to unexpected breakthroughs.
* Real Example: Elon Musk, whose insatiable curiosity drives his exploration of various industries, from electric vehicles to space travel.

Chapter 6: The Importance of Collaboration

* Discusses the benefits of working with others who share your passion for challenging established norms.
* Real Example: The Apollo 11 mission, which required the collaboration of thousands of individuals with diverse skills to achieve its goal.

Chapter 7: The Role of Failure in Innovation

* Argues that failure is an essential part of the innovation process and should be embraced rather than feared.
* Real Example: Thomas Edison, who failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb.

Chapter 8: The Future of Rebel Ideas

* Explores the potential impact of rebel ideas in shaping the future and the importance of continuing to challenge conventional wisdom.
* Real Example: The rise of artificial intelligence and its potential to disrupt various industries and force society to grapple with ethical and societal questions.