Adam Grant On The Joy of Being Wrong, The Power of Rethinking & The Future of Work

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Feb 15, 2021

Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and Wharton professor, dives into the beauty of being wrong and the joy of rethinking. He shares insights from his latest book, emphasizing the necessity of unlearning biases and fostering open-minded communication in today’s polarized world. Reflecting on personal stories and the importance of authenticity, he discusses how to balance approval-seeking with genuine identity. The conversation also touches on productivity in modern work environments, emphasizing the value of focused, uninterrupted time for creativity.

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INSIGHT

Cynical Genius Illusion

Conspiracy theories thrive on the cynical genius illusion, where cynicism is mistaken for intelligence.
This cynicism often stems from a defense mechanism against manipulation due to lower cognitive ability.

ANECDOTE

How Questions Challenge Beliefs

Adam Grant used "how" questions to help a friend rethink vaccine conspiracies.
By exploring the logistics of the conspiracy, the friend considered alternative explanations.

ADVICE

Lead with Curiosity

Approach conversations with curiosity, not as a prosecutor, preacher, or politician.
Ask questions and receive answers without judgment to encourage open-mindedness.

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Meet Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist who specializes in how we can find motivation and meaning in work, and live more generous and creative lives.

After graduating from Harvard magna cum laude, Adam completed his master’s degree and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in just three years. At 28 he became Wharton’s youngest-ever tenured professor, where he has been recognized as the top-rated professor for seven straight years, named one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and listed among Fortune‘s 40 under 40.

One of the world’s most-cited, prolific and significant researchers in business and economics, Adam is the author of several New York Times bestselling books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 35 languages, including Give and Take, Originals, and Option B. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal and praised by J.J. Abrams, Richard Branson, Bill and Melinda Gates, Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Kahneman, and Malala Yousafzai.

Certain to be another culture-tilting bestseller, Adam’s new book, and the focus of today’s conversation, is Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know.

In addition, Adam’s TED Talks on original thinkers and givers and takers have garnered over 20 million views. And when he’s not writing, teaching, parenting, or consulting on behalf of organizations like Google, the NBA, or the Gates Foundation, he hosts WorkLife, a chart-topping TED original podcast.

Equal parts fun and powerful, this conversation is about the importance and power of interpersonal and collective rethinking.

We discuss strategies for engaging with others who see the world differently. And what we can learn when we lead not with argumentation but rather with curiosity and humility.

In a time of entrenched polarization, Adam creates space for nuance. He teaches us to think critically and carefully. To ask questions. And to hold our views flexibly.

He also offers sage advice on work in the time of COVID, when so many people’s professional ecosystems have been turned upside down.

My hope is that this exchange encourages you to identify your own biases. Emboldens you to connect more meaningfully with those who see things differently. And inspires you to relish in being wrong.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll580

YouTube: bit.ly/adamgrant580

It was an honor to hold space with a luminary I have greatly respected from afar. And to make a new friend along the way.

May this conversation leave you thinking more critically about your own beliefs—and more empathetically about others’.

Peace + Plants,

Rich