Embrace the joy of being wrong and learning from it! "Think Again" by Adam Grant

Title: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What you Don’t Know

Author: Adam Grant

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: Organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores the skill of “rethinking” (he also has a podcast called “Re:Thinking”). That is, questioning our opinions, opening our minds, and embracing the joy of being wrong. He delves into how rethinking can enhance personal growth, improve interpersonal relationships, and foster collective intelligence within organizations. Grant emphasizes the importance of mental flexibility in a rapidly changing world.

I selected this book because: As an educator and wannabe entrepreneur, I recognize the value of adaptability and continuous learning. Grant's focus on the necessity of reexamining our beliefs and the process of “unlearning” outdated information aligns with my commitment to fostering a growth mindset in both personal and professional contexts.

Recommendation: I highly recommend  “Think Again” to individuals seeking to enhance their critical thinking skills and adaptability. The book is particularly valuable for educators, leaders, and professionals who aim to cultivate environments that encourage open-mindedness and continuous improvement. Grant's engaging storytelling and practical insights make complex psychological concepts both accessible and actionable.

Major lessons from this book: I loved this book, lots of great concepts and I highly recommend it! “Thinking like a scientist” and approaching the world with that mindset will both increase your creativity and give you a better understanding of the world. The scientist mindset advocates holding opinions lightly and being willing to test and revise them based on new evidence. This is counter to the tendency to “preach” our beliefs and seek confirmation of our beliefs.

He suggests embracing the “joy of being wrong” and accepting that mistakes can lead to personal growth and ultimately better decision making.  He even suggests finding pleasure in discovering that we were wrong since it provides an opportunity to learn and improve. He suggests fostering constructive conflict (“thoughtful disagreement”) as a means of challenging current thinking and ultimately arriving at more robust conclusions. Organizations that can promote a culture of continuous learning and “rethinking” can thrive. He highlights the importance of psychological safety for such a culture to develop. Amy Edmondson has a great book on psychological safety (“The Fearless Organization”).

Book Inspirations: This book has inspired me to actively question my assumptions and remain open to new perspectives. Grant's insights reinforce the importance of intellectual humility and the willingness to update beliefs when new information is presented. This mindset is crucial for fostering innovation and effective problem-solving in both educational and entrepreneurial endeavors.