I just finished Think Again with @AdamMGrant

The best book ever for getting a flexible mind & letting go of old beliefs and ideas that do not serve you anymore

In the end, Adam gives 30 practical takeways on how YOU can rethink & become stronger

Here they are in order 🧵👇

1/ Think like a scientist

Often, you tend to preach, prosecute or politic. Be curious instead & test your hypotheses with data

2/ Define yourself in values, not opinions

You are so much better than your opinions. Keep a list of factors that can change your mind

3/ Seek out information that confront your views

This socratic method allows you to gain deep knowledge and a unique perspective

4/ Beware the Dunning-Kreuger effect

The more confidence you have, the more likely you are overestimating yourself (and the reverse)

5/ Harness the benefits of doubt

It is an opportunity to growth. This confusion is an extremely good thing

6/ Embrace the joy of being wrong

By doing this, you will become right much faster. Improve instead of resist

7/ Learn something new from each person you meet

The most valuable experience is the special encounter you normally do not have

8/ Build a challenge network, not only a support network

They will give you useful feedback & help you stay on track towards greatness

9/ Don't shy away from constructive conflicts

Make it a discussion, negotiation or debate. No negative emotions needed

10/ Practice persuasive listening

If you want to change someone, ask questions & pay attention. They

• love being heard

• will have more courage changing

11/ Question how, rather than why

Otherwise, you will receive pushback. By asking how instead, they will be more cooperative since it is more obvious where the limits are

12/ Ask the following:

"What evidence would change your mind?"

No ambiguity, just clear communication

13/ Ask how people originally formed their opinions

Ask them (& yourself) what they would believe if they were born at a different time & place

14/ Acknowledge common ground

A debate is a dance, not a war

15/ Less is often more

Do not bombard with reasons since it is counterproductive & overwhelming.

Bring a few of your strongest instead

16/ Reinforce the feeling of choice

People don't like to be manipulated. Give them the freedom & they will respect you

17/ Have a conversation about the conversation

Make it ok to express frustration & how your discussion should be conducted

18/ Complexify contentious topic

Almost nothing is either black or white. Make it more grey to facilitate a nuanced discussion

19/ Do not shy away from caveats and contingencies

Acknowledging the other side makes you stronger & more credible. The audience like it

20/ Expand your emotional range

Instead of only frustration, show some curiosity, confusion & ambivalence

21/ Have a weekly mythbusting discussion

Debunking myths will make it easier to rethink overall & improves relationships

22/ Create multiple drafts and seek feedback

This have multiple benefits:

• Getting started more easily

• Relieves the pressure

• Get support from others

23/ Don't predict the future

You tend to attach your identity to it otherwise. Broaden the possibilities to find the best (and often unexpected ones)

24/ Abandon "best practices"

Seek better practices instead. Improve them

25/ Establish psychological safety

This is the major factor for getting a learning culture. Leaders can do it by expressing humility

26/ Keep a rethinking scorecard

As the picture below shows, you have to factor in the process too. Smart experiments are encouraged

27/ Throw out the 10 year plan

You don't know how your interests will change. Be open instead to the best choice possible

Plan only your next step

28/ Rethink your actions, not just your surroundings

Seek good intentions & deeds within yourself instead of only the beach

29/ Schedule a life checkup

Observe and analyse your current situation & how it can improve

30/ Make time to think again

Spend time in reflection & talking to others. Rethinking is a skill that needs to be practice

If you liked this thread:

• Follow @AdamMGrant on Twitter

• Get the book. It is one of the best ones you will read in your lifetime!!!
• Follow me @OscarLagrosen for one new essay & thread every day like this one

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