Now in paperback, “An enthusiastic, example-rich argument for innovating in a particular way—by deliberately experimenting and taking small exploratory steps in novel directions. Light, bright, and packed with tidy anecdotes” (The Wall Street Journal).Little Bets has sparked a firestorm of discussion about thinking and working in a whole new way that Peter Sims introduces. Sims has been invited to speak at high-profile venues from Google and Amazon to the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, and the book has been featured in a
Fast Company excerpt and pieces in
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Economist, Harvard Business Review, Inc., and it was selected for the prestigious JP Morgan Summer Reading List.
Through extensive research, Sims discovered that the most productive creative thinkers and doers across the full range of pursuits—from Thomas Edison, to architect Frank Gehry and the creative team at Pixar—practice a set of simple methods—such as failing quickly to learn fast, trying imperfect ideas, and engaging in highly immersed observation—that free their minds, unshackling them from the constraints of conventional planning and analytical thinking and opening them up to making unexpected connections and perceiving invaluable insights. They make a methodical series of “little bets” about what might be a good direction, experimenting their way to extraordinary outcomes. Brimming with engaging stories about breakthrough innovators at work, from comedian Chris Rock to U.S. army counterinsurgency teams, Little Bets is as entertaining as it is mind changing.
Industry Reviews
"'Little Bets' is a big idea. Here's my bet: if you're passionate about innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, you need to read this book!"--Alan M. Webber, Co-Founding Editor, Fast Company magazine, Author, Rules of Thumb
""Little Bets" is a timely and compelling book that will change the way you think, a roadmap to success in the 21st century. And, a very enjoyable read."--Peter Georgescu, former CEO of Young & Rubicam
"I have always believed that constant innovation is core to success. The methods Peter Sims provides in the highly engaging "Little Bets" will help you challenge the status quo and discover extraordinary new possibilities in whatever endeavor you're engaged in."--Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO, Starbucks
"I really can't say enough about this book;" Little Bets" rings so true to my own experience at Teach For America. Peter Sims does a huge service by showing the world how big entrepreneurial and innovative successes come to be -- and in the process reveals ways of thinking that aren't the product of anything elusive or enigmatic but rather of traits we can all learn and foster, such as openness, inquisitiveness, and perseverance."--Wendy Kopp, CEO and Founder, Teach for America
"In "Little Bets", Peter Sims convincingly argues that we need a new model of creativity, focused around gradual improvement and constant innovation. If you're not learning while doing, Sims points out, then you're probably doing it wrong."--Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide
"Peter Sims buries the myth that big talkers with brains and big ideas move industry and science forward. This modern masterpiece demonstrates that the most powerful and profitable ideas are produced by persistent people who mess with lots of little ideas and keep muddling forward until they get it right. "Little Bets" is easily the most delightful and useful innovation book published in the last decade."--Robert I. Sutton, Professor, Stanford University, New York Times bestselling author of Good Boss, Bad Boss
"Peter Sims' exciting new book, "Little Bets", is replete with stunning insights about innovation and the remarkable benefits of backing many creative initiatives that yield the big breakthrough. Corporate leaders everywhere can benefit from his sound advice."--Bill George, Professor, Harvard Business School and Author, True North
"Want a big idea? Start little. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an artist, Peter Sims shows you how big breakthroughs start with little bets."--Chip Heath, author of Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard
"With examples that range from traditional businesses to stand-up comedians, Peter Sims shows that the path to big success is lined with small failures. Behind every breakthrough idea is often a host of experiments that flopped -- and Sims shows how to leverage these "little bets" to produce lasting results. This is a powerful and practical book."--Daniel H. Pink, author of A Whole New Mind and Drive
"A fascinating and revealing journey through the real-life dynamics of the creative process. Vividly written and bustling with examples from comedy to architecture, "Little Bets" is a wonderful example of itself: a big idea that takes shape through many small discoveries. I highly recommend it for anyone with a serious interest in cultivating creativity in business, education or in their own lives."
