10 Lessons from ‘Think Again’ by Adam Grant: How to Become a More Effective Thinker and Decision-Maker

Adam Grant’s book, “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know,” is a compelling exploration of the importance of intellectual humility and the willingness to change our minds. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Grant shows us how we can develop the skills and mindset necessary to become more effective thinkers and decision-makers. In this blog post, we will explore 10 lessons we can learn from “Think Again” and how they can help us to approach our personal and professional lives with greater openness and curiosity.

Lesson 1: Embrace the joy of being wrong.

One of the key lessons from “Think Again” is that being wrong can be a source of growth and learning. By embracing the joy of being wrong, we can cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness that allows us to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Lesson 2: Question your assumptions.

Grant argues that one of the biggest barriers to effective thinking is our tendency to hold onto assumptions and beliefs without questioning them. By challenging our assumptions and seeking out diverse perspectives, we can become more effective and nuanced thinkers.

Lesson 3: Seek out feedback.

Another important lesson from “Think Again” is the value of seeking out feedback from others. By soliciting feedback and being open to criticism, we can learn from our mistakes and improve our performance.

Lesson 4: Don’t be afraid to change your mind.

Grant emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility and the willingness to change our minds in the face of new evidence or perspectives. By letting go of our attachment to our own ideas and being open to new possibilities, we can become more effective and adaptable thinkers.

Lesson 5: Cultivate a growth mindset.

A growth mindset, which emphasizes the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed over time, is an essential ingredient for effective thinking and learning. By embracing a growth mindset, we can approach challenges with greater resilience and flexibility.

Lesson 6: Be open to constructive conflict.

Grant argues that constructive conflict, or the ability to engage in healthy debate and disagreement, is an essential ingredient for effective decision-making and problem-solving. By embracing constructive conflict and valuing diverse perspectives, we can make more informed and nuanced decisions.

Lesson 7: Avoid groupthink.

Groupthink, or the tendency for groups to prioritize conformity over critical thinking and independent thought, can be a major obstacle to effective decision-making. By encouraging independent thinking and valuing diverse perspectives, we can avoid the pitfalls of groupthink and make better decisions.

Lesson 8: Embrace uncertainty.

Uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but it is an essential part of effective thinking and decision-making. By embracing uncertainty and valuing diverse perspectives, we can become more effective at navigating complex and ambiguous situations.

Lesson 9: Don’t let your ego get in the way.

Our ego can be a major obstacle to effective thinking and decision-making. By letting go of our attachment to our own ideas and being open to new possibilities, we can become more effective and adaptable thinkers.

Lesson 10: Keep learning.

Finally, “Think Again” reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey. By embracing a mindset of curiosity and continuous learning, we can approach our personal and professional lives with greater openness and adaptability.

In conclusion, “Think Again” is a powerful reminder of the importance of intellectual humility, openness, and a willingness to change our minds. By embracing these principles and applying them to our personal and professional lives, we can become more effective thinkers, decision-makers, and learners. So let us all take a cue from Adam Grant and commit to approaching life with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn and grow.