In 'The Power of Onlyness,' Nilofer Merchant explores how embracing our uniqueness can drive innovation and creativity in a world that often values conformity. She argues that each person's individual perspective is a powerful force that can transform ideas into action. Through captivating stories and thought-provoking insights, Merchant encourages readers to reclaim their 'onlyness' and leverage it for greater impact. The book provides practical strategies for turning personal experiences into valuable contributions, both personally and professionally. Discover how your singular voice can redefine the landscape of collaboration and change.
By Nilofer Merchant
Published: 2017
"In a world where we often feel unheard, embracing our unique perspectives can transform not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us."
An 800-CEO-READ Staff Pick Shortlisted for the Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award A Financial Times Business Book of the Month “For any would-be activists who hear the voice: ‘not me’ or ‘not now,’ Merchant makes the strong case for ‘yes you’ and ‘yes now’—and even shows you how to jump in.” —Van Jones, host of CNN’s The Messy Truth, author of Rebuild the Dream and The Green Collar Economy “The Power of Onlyness is a book for our times. . . . Merchant forces us to dig deep, into the book and ourselves, and it goes beyond self-knowledge and self-empowerment, obliterating the fear of otherness with an understanding of the onlyness of us all.” —Sally Haldorson, 800-CEO-READ An innovation expert illuminates why your power to make a difference is no longer bound by your status If you’re like most people, you wish you had the ability to make a difference, but you don’t have the credentials, or a seat at the table, can’t get past the gatekeepers, and aren’t high enough in any hierarchy to get your ideas heard. In The Power of Onlyness, Nilofer Merchant, one of the world’s top-ranked business thinkers, reveals that, in fact, we have now reached an unprecedented moment of opportunity for your ideas to “make a dent” on the world. Now that the Internet has liberated ideas to spread through networks instead of hierarchies, power is no longer determined by your status, but by “onlyness”—that spot in the world only you stand in, a function of your distinct history and experiences, visions and hopes. If you build upon your signature ingredient of purpose and connect with those who are equally passionate, you have a lever by which to move the world. This new ability is already within your grasp, but to command it, you need to know how to meaningfully mobilize others around your ideas. Through inspirational and instructive stories, Merchant reveals proven strategies to unleash the centrifugal force of a new idea, no matter how weird or wild it may seem. Imagine how much better the world could be if every idea could have its shot, not just the ones that come from expected people and places. Which long-intractable problems would we solve, what new levels of creativity would be unlocked, and who might innovate a breakthrough that could benefit ourselves, our communities, and especially our economy. This limitless potential of onlyness has already been recognized by Thinkers 50, the Oscars of management, which cited it one of the five ideas that will shape business for next twenty years. Why do some individuals make scalable impact with their ideas, regardless of their power or status? The Power of Onlyness unravels this mystery for the first time so that anyone can make a dent. Even you.
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“In a world where we often feel unheard, embracing our unique perspectives can transform not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us.”
The Power of Onlyness
By Nilofer Merchant
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Nilofer Merchant is an acclaimed author and thought leader known for her insightful exploration of business and leadership. She has written several notable works, including "The Power of Onlyness" and "11 Rules for Creating Value in the #New Economy". Merchant's writing style blends practical business advice with personal narrative, encouraging professionals to embrace their unique perspectives and contributions. Her insights have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant, inspiring organizations to foster innovation and creativity.
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