Book Review - “Think Again” by Adam Grant

Think Again — The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know.

A book that leaves an impression. In the days and weeks following our book review, we've quoted the topic again and again: It's easy to apply to so many things. Think Again by Adam Grant not only left a lasting impression on the team, but also had a lasting influence on how we think and act. Why Our world is changing so fast that we must learn to “update” our thinking just as quickly (To rethink).

That is what the book is about

Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, already known for his books “Give and Take,” or “Originals,” calls for regular Rethinking in his latest book on. In doing so, he makes it clear: We must learn torethinking. According to Grant, however, it is not intelligence alone that is decisive, but motivation: “Rethinking is a skillset, but it's also a mindset.”
His book is divided into four sections. In the first section, Grant addresses the individual Rethinking, in the second section, the interpersonal Rethinken And finally, in the 3rd section, the joint/collective Rethinking. The 4th section finally summarizes all chapters.

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Our 1st stage learnings/Individual Rethinking:

• We should think more like scientists — and less like preachers, prosecutors, or politicians. What is meant is: proactively looking for reasons why we could be wrong, not (just) why right. And then redefine our vision based on what we've learned.

• The Joy of Being Wrong: Don't just look for reasons why you could be wrong, but also enjoy being wrong once in a while. Perhaps your environment has more of it, and in any case, you have learned something new.

• Opening up your own mindset doesn't have to be difficult if you assume that it is not a (change) or adjustment, but an update. This is how your own inner resistance is released.

• “If knowledge is power, knowing what we don't know is wisdom.” It's not about knowing everything (that's a sham state anyway), but about knowing what you don't know and being and staying curious about it.

• Our tip: Don't believe everything you think! Listen, explore new cultures, learn from everyone you meet, question your opinion, re-read studies. Accepting that we are wrong makes our thinking more flexible.

• Favourite quote: “Great thinkers [...] maintain doubts because they know we're all partially blind and they're committed to improving their sight.”

Our 2nd section learnings//Interpersonal Rethinking:

• To convince others, Grant advises: “Join the audience as a partner.” It is not about winning or losing. Respond to your conversation partners and create a new path that you can take together. Which can also help: Help your counterpart to imagine what their:his opinion would look like in an alternative parallel world had it been: he was born somewhere else/ would have a different gender/a different skin color/... (counterfactual thinking).

• Some discussions can be bottomless. Even though the question “What evidence would change your mind?” If you don't make your counterpart think and there isn't enough evidence for the only truth, then finish with the topic.

• “The absence of conflict is not harmony, its apathy.” Don't equate conflict with conflict and conflict with lack of harmony. A civilized discussion shows your counterpart that they are important to you and that you are taking care of their thoughts. Let yourself be challenged and challenge your counterpart, so you both develop.

• Our tip: Try to look at it this way: It's not about changing others' opinions or perspectives. But to open. This is how we can bring a healthy discussion culture to life!

• Favourite quote: “The power of listening doesn't lie just in giving people the space to reflect on their views. It's a display of respect and an expression of care.”
  

Our 3rd section learnings//Joint (collective) Rethinking:

• It is human to simplify complex topics in search of clarity — especially when it comes to invited and hotly discussed topics. Mostly in two (extreme) categories: For or against vaccinations/Trump/abortions/refugees/equality/artificial intelligence... But binary polarization does not solve the complexity of the issues, but only conceals the many shades of gray from a wide variety of perspectives.

• To escape this, you need an environment in which you don't need to justify your previous convictions (usually to calm your ego, protect your own image, or defend previous decisions).

• Rethinking It is easier in “learning cultures” — where growth and learning cycles are normal and you not only make mistakes but also talk about them. Both in schools and in professional life, we should radiate more curiosity and promote the joy of discovery.

• Our tip: What is not meant: Every day, constantly questioning everything, turning it around, “OverThinking.” What is meant: Regularly questioning processes, behaviours and patterns, ReThinking.

Um Rethinking to promote:

• illuminates complexity and shades of gray.
• normalizes vulnerability.
• creates communities of lifelong learning.
• creates psychological safety.
• Stay curious and try out new things.

• Favourite quote: “Our happiness often depends more on what we do than where we are. It's our actions — not our surroundings — that bring us meaning and belonging.”

What was your last opinion that you threw to the wind after thorough RETHINKING?

Anne:

My change: Every time my “Inner Dictator” tells me
That I am right, I force myself to
Look at them who speak against it.

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Fanny:

My learning: To actively listen to my counterpart. Before
my thoughts drift away during a conversation or a
Looking for a suitable answer, I will give my own opinion
Back and summarize what was said again or ask
until ambiguities have really been resolved.

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Lara:

It happens again and again that I assume “a lot of people feel the same way I do” or “everyone thinks that” and I forget that I'm sitting in my own bubble. To avoid this bias, I've decided to follow people outside of my bubble on social media.

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Romy:

I force myself to question my reviews and go in
Dialogue with others: “What is your current situation
felt”? Because it is amazing how different we are
Perceive everyone and then evaluate situations.

My tip: Resolve to wear your counterpart's “glasses” as well
Set it up and you get so much more vision.

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We are looking forward to talking to you!

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