Live-Love-Serve

April 26, 2025

To my dear readers,

The intention for today`s post is to highlight ideas from “ Think again” – a book by Adam Grant  

Rationale for my choice is the principles of the book resonates with sound principles around using our critical thinking skills whilst simultaneously highlighting the need for emotional safety, interpersonal effectiveness and growth.

1.       The author recommends that forming an opinion or coming to a conclusion needs to be founded by evidence based data –when we have an answer that is tested with data – we then avoid the risk of falling into the category of  talking for the sake of talking….( talk to just persuade/ talk to oppose or talk to an audience…_) 

2.       Being led or defined by values – such as quest for knowledge and cognitive flexibility -this allows one to develop a mindset that paves the way for change and growth 

3.       Knowing not  to confuse confidence with competence -there are times that confidence can be a barrier for improving – there is always room for improvement – and that comes only when we persist in self discovery through  checking in on what we know, what we thought we knew and to question some of our own beliefs…  

4.       Developing the mindset to learn something new  from those we meet each day – he  recommends having a robust social network – which includes a set of people who challenge us. Constructive conflict is about being able to take in others `view point from an intellectual perspective -so learning not to take disagreements personally. 

5.       Learning to be an active listener – insights on interpersonal rethinking which includes– being a  good listener is  about allowing  the speaker to get clarity on their own views and unfold  reasons for change …. The author recommends the use of “ how” rather than “why”-for example the use of ‘ how” would facilitate the speaker to become aware of their own limitations and begin to make changes 

6.       Understanding that disagreements within any context does not need to become a battle – within disagreement the author recommends: 

• Common ground or points of convergence – which shows a willingness to negotiate  
• Bringing in too many reasons to add to the conflict – can make audience defensive  
• Reinforcing Freedom of choice in any situation allows to respect autonomy 
• Using a conversation to go  through the process instead of being caught in the frustrations of emotional outbursts.  

7.       Being aware that there are more than 2 sides to an argument – counting in other perspectives and allowing ourselves to be curious or  even confused can ultimately gives us more logical approaches towards finding a solution  

8.        Inculcating a culture where we teach  children to engage in robust discussions , where they learn to question and learn to seek feedback from others. So children get the opportunity of notion of [versatilities ad possibilities  

9.       Working on creating a culture that takes into account how processes are followed through ,where leaders model curiosity and humility – where people can ask questions , where varied options are considered and  where people can feel safe –when they think differently and  

10.    Making the processes evidence based , accountable and  meaningful; What I loved most was “Don’t be afraid to rethink” – what worked for yesterday might well lose its purpose tomorrow – the author is all ,let`s evaluate as we go instead of making a ten year plan.   

Ma te wa for now 💫