Adam Grant Quotes on Culture, born August 13, 1981, in West Bloomfield, Michigan, is an American organizational psychologist, Wharton professor, and bestselling author, celebrated for his transformative insights on workplace culture, motivation, and innovation. His books, including Think Again (2021), Originals (2016), Give and Take (2013), and Hidden Potential (2023), have reshaped how organizations build thriving cultures, selling millions across 45 languages. Named one of Fortune’s top 40 business professors and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Grant’s TED Talks and WorkLife podcast explore how to cultivate cultures that foster creativity and collaboration. A former Junior Olympics springboard diver, his research emphasizes adaptive, generous environments.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his books, interviews, New York Times columns, and posts on X—reflect his wisdom on workplace culture, team dynamics, organizational values, and fostering growth, capturing his evidence-based optimism and passion for empowering teams.
15 Adam Grant Quotes on Culture
- “Strong cultures aren’t built by preaching values. They’re shaped by practicing them—consistently rewarding the behaviors you want to see.” (Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, 2021)
- “A culture of learning is a culture of rethinking, where people are encouraged to challenge the status quo and revise their assumptions.” (Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, 2021)
- “The best cultures don’t suppress dissent; they invite it. Disagreement is a sign people care enough to improve the group.” (Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, 2016)
- “To build a giving culture, leaders must model generosity and reward those who help others succeed.” (Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, 2013)
- “In toxic cultures, people hoard resources and hide mistakes. In thriving cultures, they share knowledge and own their errors.” (Post on X, @AdamMGrant, 2023-05-13)
- “A culture of excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating space for people to take risks and learn from failure.” (Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, 2023)
- “You can tell a lot about a culture by what it punishes and what it celebrates.” (Post on X, @AdamMGrant, 2024-08-10)
- “The strength of a culture lies in its ability to balance candor with care—where people speak truth and still feel safe.” (Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, 2021)
- “Cultures that prioritize short-term wins over long-term growth breed burnout and stifle innovation.” (Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, 2016)
- “In a culture of givers, success is a team sport—everyone rises by lifting each other up.” (Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, 2013)
- “Great cultures don’t happen by accident. They’re designed by leaders who align actions with values.” (Post on X, @AdamMGrant, 2022-07-20)
- “A culture that values originality rewards those who dare to think differently, not just those who follow the rules.” (Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World, 2016)
- “The fastest way to change a culture is to change who you hire and who you fire.” (Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, 2021)
- “Cultures thrive when people feel they belong—not just for what they do, but for who they are.” (Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, 2023)
- “The ultimate test of a culture is whether it brings out the best in its people, even on their worst days.” (Post on X, @AdamMGrant, 2025-03-15)
Adam Grant’s quotes on culture are a dynamic blend of insight, empathy, and practical wisdom, inspiring leaders and teams to foster environments where growth, generosity, and innovation flourish. Which one’s got you ready to reshape your workplace culture? Drop it in the comments and keep Grant’s vision for thriving teams alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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