Think Again

Adam Grant’s Think Again emphasizes the power of deliberate rethinking and unlearning. After unsuccessfully researching a book summary online, using these rethinking skills, I realized I’d be better off writing my own (thanks, Adam Grant)! Personal highlights and actions for impact:

The Rethinking Cycle challenges us to think like scientists: humility over pride, doubt over uncertainty, and curiosity over closure.

How many times have we trapped ourselves in cycles of overconfidence? The book describes the curse of knowledge as closing our minds to what we don’t know. By acknowledging what we don’t know, we can break the cycle of overconfidence. As for navigating disagreements with our colleagues and loved ones? When others are resistant to change, it helps to start the conversation by reinforcing what will stay the same.

Optimal task conflict resolution challenges us to rethink arguments: debate the how instead of the why.

Have you ever felt conflicts escalate into personal attacks? You didn’t read my email? How rude! The book describes a major problem with task conflict is that is often spills over into relationship conflict. When we argue about the why, we run the risk of becoming emotionally attached to our positions and dismissive of the other side’s. We will be more likely to engage in healthy conflict by arguing about the how. Focus less on why different solutions might succeed or fail, and more on how these solutions might work.

P.S. Consciously maintain your tranquility. It’s not always easy, but seen as a sign of strength and helpful deescalation tactic. My personal favorite when I’m about to interrupt and disagree without thinking- silently start counting up slowly by tens- just make sure the other person sees they still have your attention- and genuinely feels they still have the floor. Continue to listen. You might find by listening that you change assumptions and rethink the task conflict in its entirety.