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All 16 learnings · one per slide
Think
Again
Adam Grant, in bytes
16 key learnings on the power of knowing what you don't know, and rethinking.
16 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
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Think Again, in bytes
16 key learnings from Adam Grant's book on rethinking and unlearning, for individuals, conversations and organisations. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
Think
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Learning 1 · Prologue
The Escape Fire
The story
At Mann Gulch in 1949, foreman Wagner Dodge survived a wildfire by doing something unthinkable: lighting a fire to burn a safe zone.
The lesson
Others clung to their tools and instincts and died.
Takeaway
Rethinking can save lives.
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Learning 2
Preacher, Prosecutor, Politician
The idea
We often think like preachers (defending beliefs), prosecutors (attacking others) or politicians (seeking approval).
The alternative
Think like a scientist: test hypotheses.
Takeaway
Treat your opinions as hypotheses.
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Learning 3
BlackBerry's Mistake
The story
BlackBerry's co-founder Mike Lazaridis failed to rethink as smartphones changed, and the company declined.
The lesson
Past success can block rethinking.
Takeaway
Success can make you rigid.
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Learning 4
Confident Humility
The idea
Be confident in your ability to learn while humble about what you know.
Example
Mount Stupid: little knowledge can create big overconfidence.
Takeaway
Know what you don't know.
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Learning 5
The Joy of Being Wrong
The idea
Being wrong can be a delight, because it means you've learned something.
Example
Daniel Kahneman enjoys finding out he was wrong.
Try this
Celebrate one thing you got wrong this week.
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Learning 6
Detach Your Identity
The idea
Separate your identity from your beliefs; build it around values instead.
Example
Valuing curiosity rather than specific opinions.
Takeaway
Values are steadier than opinions.
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Learning 7
Constructive Conflict
The idea
Task conflict about ideas helps; relationship conflict hurts.
Example
The Wright brothers argued fiercely about ideas, which improved their designs.
Takeaway
Argue about ideas, not people.
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Learning 8
Debate Like an Expert
The idea
Skilled negotiators and debaters find common ground and use fewer, stronger arguments.
Example
Debate champion Harish Natarajan acknowledged his opponent's points.
Try this
Start by naming what you agree on.
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Learning 9
Bridging Divides
The idea
Curiosity and genuine questions can open closed minds.
Example
Musician Daryl Davis befriended Ku Klux Klan members, and some left the Klan.
Takeaway
Ask, don't attack.
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Learning 10
Motivational Interviewing
The idea
Instead of persuading, ask open questions and help people find their own reasons to change.
Example
A doctor helped hesitant parents decide to vaccinate by listening rather than lecturing.
Try this
Ask 'What would make you consider it?'
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Learning 11
Complexify
The idea
Presenting complexity, not two simple sides, makes people more open.
Example
Showing shades of grey in debates like gun policy.
Takeaway
Nuance invites thinking.
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Learning 12
Teaching Rethinking
The idea
Schools can teach students to question and revise.
Example
Teacher Erin McCarthy asked students to find errors in their textbooks.
Try this
Ask students, or yourself, to critique a source.
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Learning 13
Learning Cultures
The idea
Organisations need psychological safety and accountability for process to keep learning.
Example
NASA's culture contributed to the Columbia disaster.
Takeaway
Make it safe to question.
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Learning 14
Rethinking Careers
The idea
Asking children 'what do you want to be?' can lock in early identities.
Example
People who plan their careers rigidly may stay on the wrong path.
Try this
Schedule regular career check-ups.
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Learning 15
Your Challenge Network
The idea
Build a network of people who will challenge your thinking.
Example
Grant asks critics for honest feedback on his work.
Try this
Name two people who'll tell you when you're wrong.
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Learning 16
Rethinking Happiness
The idea
Chasing happiness can backfire; pursuing meaning and contribution works better.
Example
Focusing on growth rather than happiness.
Reflect
What belief about your life might need rethinking?
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All 16 learnings complete
That’s all 16 learnings.
Think like a scientist about your own beliefs. What opinion of yours deserves a rethink?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read Think Again by Adam Grant (2021) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes