Outliers Is A Thought-Provoking Read

What is the secret to success? In Outliers, author Malcolm Gladwell explores that question, offering tantalizing research and interesting conclusions.

Gladwell defines an outlier as, “something that is situated away from or classed differently from a main or related body; and a statistical observation that is markedly different in value from the others of the sample.” In other words, an outlier is someone who has experienced phenomenal success.

One of Gladwell’s greatest strengths is his story telling. He illustrates his key points with some people you know (the Beatles, Bill Gates) and some you don’t (lawyers Joe Flom and Mort Janklow).

Some of the traits he notes that all outliers have are:

· Have “practiced” their skills for at least 10,000 hours

· Had the right opportunity

· Had help along the way

One of the best quotes from the book that spoke to me was, “..no one—not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses—ever make it alone.”

Since opportunity is so important, I want to give those around me opportunities for them to succeed. That was one of my main takeaways: giving others the chance to succeed.

I certainly didn’t agree with every point Gladwell made. For example, success is fairly subjective. You don’t have to make a ton of money or be number one in your profession to be considered successful.

Outliers is such a popular book, we had our credit union book club read it recently. So don’t just take my opinion. Here’s what some of our front-line employees had to say:

“This book was kind of hard for me to finish, because I felt like it dragged on. I agree with the principles of this book, but there’s a lot I feel could be stretched a little bit.

 

The major thing I took away from this book is that success is something you as an individual need to define. The ten thousand hour rule really spoke to me as well, and I will strive to apply that to my academic life this semester. I do think that this book has opened my eyes and given me a lot to think about!”

 

And

 

“I truly enjoyed this book and the interesting way it had at looking at the origins of success.  My two takeaways from this book are:

 

1) True success doesn't come easy. 

 

2) You are whatever you make yourself become... The kids in the elementary school in the Bronx have none of the advantages I have had in life, but an astounding number of them graduate college because they work hard at it.  Christopher Langan had tools that most of us can't even comprehend, yet he works on a horse farm in Podunk City, USA.”

 

If you do want to learn more about success, a motivational book may not be the best option. Instead you might learn a great deal by reading Outliers.

Comments

[Jason Duplant]

'Outliers' is my absolute favorite business/psychology book and I recommend and lend my copy to EVERYONE!

It's been months since i've read but absolutely love Gladwell's storytelling approach and how he says that it takes 10,000 hours to master any skill. Im still learning and growing as a professional and leader in my industry but I absolutely can relate because i feel I really was able to see my role and duties clearer after about 3 years at my credit union (est. 10,000 hours on the job).

Also my two favorite illustrations of this theory are The Beatles marathon gigs in the red light district that put in their 10,000 hours long before they recorded their first album and the elite hockey players that all have birthdays in the first 3 months of the year (due to the fact that Canadian league eligibility cutting off at Dec 31).

Awesome book and author! Eager to jump into his latest book that has been sitting on my shelf.

[Mark Arnold]

Jason: Thanks for joining the conversation! It says a lot that your favorite business book is Outliers. You are already employing Gladwell's principles for your own success. Let me know what you think of his new book.