I love to read. Many times, I am reinforcing concepts or learning new twists on existing ideas. I recently finished Adam Grant’s Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know and will be reading it again very soon. I have been telling everyone about this book. It has been quite some time since a book has changed my thinking and the way I act. There have been three major takeaways for me.
It’s okay to be wrong. Learn like a scientist.
From the earliest days, being wrong or not the best has been tough for me. A “B” in school, striking out in softball, playing wrong notes in band, were all difficult to handle. Instead of seeing these as learning opportunities, I saw these as times when I should have worked harder, studied longer, and practiced more. I only know a few people who would get called out for playing wrong notes or running the wrong play and not feel bad for it.
Adam Grant challenges us to look at each of the so-called failures as a scientist. We need to analyze the input, see what we need to adjust, and try again to get the outcome we want. What I am taking away from the book is the need to listen and learn like a scientist. I thought Adam said it perfectly in the book when he stated, “You can be confident in your ability to achieve a goal in the future while maintaining the humility to question whether you have the right tools in the present”.
Collaborative Constructive Conflict
I am not sure if any of you like “stirring the pot” at work but I like harmony. I like teams to set goals together, discuss and develop plans, and move forward. Many times, people will engage in passive aggressive, submissive, or highly assertive behavior to ensure what they believe is the best solution is implemented. Adam Grant names these mindsets preacher, prosecutor, and politician. As I read the book, I recognized myself.
Again, Adam offers another way, that of the scientist. I am going all the way back to Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and his “seek first to understand”. In scientist mode, I am asking for more facts, data, and information before I share my thoughts. I am establishing common ground and asking non-judgmental questions. It causes interesting conversations as sometimes there is no data and that is a wonderful place to start. Let’s go get some.
One of the other observations Adam has in the book is “In a heated argument, you can always stop and ask, ‘What evidence would change your mind?’ If the answer is ‘nothing,’ then there’s no point in continuing the debate.” I am using this simple question and turning it on myself. What evidence would someone have to present to me to change my mind about this?
I am already seeing a difference.
Motivational interviewing and speaking
I enjoy speaking and motivating people toward change. My usual approach is
What problem are we trying to solve?
What will things look like when the problem is solved - paint the picture of “done” or “better”
Provide options which are supported with research
Call to action
It is a normal approach and one you have seen often. Adam Grant offers a different idea and provides examples. He invites us to
Ask open ended questions
Engage in reflective listening
Then encourage change
This is much easier of course one-on-one like the examples he first described. Later, he described teachers and speakers who really challenge us and how they use this method. I want to adjust my approach so that I have the most impact possible and provide the most value.
Adam Grant has definitely provided us with another winner with Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know. I am looking forward to reading it again. I am sure I will learn more each time I visit the material.
If you have read it, I’d love to hear your favorite lessons.
If you have not already, please connect with me on LinkedIn so we can continue sharing.
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