Principles from Adam Grant
The Scientist's Mindset: The Power of Being Open-minded
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
On Principles Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
“Argue like you’re right and listen like you’re wrong.”— Adam Grant
Before becoming a world-renowned organizational psychologist, Adam Grant wasn't always immersed in the world of research and data. In fact, during his teenage years, he was a skilled magician, wowing audiences with sleight of hand and daring escapes. This experience honed his communication and public speaking skills and instilled in him a deep fascination with human behavior and perception.
One day, while performing at a university event, Grant noticed a curious phenomenon. The psychology students in the audience, trained in understanding deception, were actually the easiest to fool. This observation sparked a new passion in him - the desire to understand how our minds work, why we believe what we believe, and how we can be influenced.
Instead of pursuing a career in magic, Grant enrolled in Wharton Business School, where he delved into organizational psychology. Throughout his studies and research, he consistently challenged conventional wisdom and dared to ask unorthodox questions. He questioned the effectiveness of traditional performance evaluations, explored the power of giving instead of taking, and advocated for the importance of originality and curiosity in leadership.
This unconventional approach led him to write award-winning books like "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," which redefined our understanding of success, creativity, and motivation.
Grant's story is a testament to the power of curiosity, unconventional thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo. It shows how seemingly unrelated experiences can shape our path and how a passion for understanding human behavior can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and transformative insights.
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Question to Ponder
How do you approach arguments: Intending to learn or to win? Do you cling to your beliefs even when presented with valid counterpoints? Are you comfortable adjusting your viewpoints based on new information or experiences?
Call to Action
To master the principle that Adam Grant offers, I want to present you with a framework called the "preacher, prosecutor, politician" framework, which is not from Adam Grant himself but from his colleague at Wharton, Philip Tetlock, who developed this framework to describe the different modes of thinking we use to approach problems and arguments.
As a refresher:
Preacher: focuses on promoting their beliefs and values, presents their arguments with conviction and certainty, and may not be receptive to new information or opposing viewpoints.
Prosecutor: aims to win by discrediting the other side's arguments, focuses on finding flaws and weaknesses in opposing viewpoints, and may use aggressive tactics like interrogation and cross-examination.
Politician: seeks to win approval and build consensus, adapts their arguments to their audience and avoids taking strong stances, and may prioritize popularity over truth or conviction.
Here's how you can apply the "preacher, prosecutor, politician" framework to the principle "Argue like you're right and listen like you're wrong":
1. Recognize the Traps:
Preacher mode: Avoid becoming so attached to your views that you dismiss any challenge as a threat. Present your arguments confidently, but be open to being wrong.
Prosecutor mode: Don't focus solely on finding flaws in the other person's views. Seek to understand their perspective and consider the strengths of their arguments.
Politician mode: Don't prioritize popularity over truth. Be willing to express your convictions even if they are not universally accepted.
2. Embrace the Scientist Mindset:
Curiosity: Approach discussions with a genuine desire to learn and understand, not just to prove yourself right.
Openness: Acknowledge that you might not have all the answers and be willing to consider alternative perspectives.
Humility: Recognize that even your most cherished beliefs could be wrong, and be prepared to change your mind if presented with compelling evidence.
3. "Argue Like You're Right" Strategies:
Clearly articulate your position: State your views concisely and confidently, using evidence and logic to support them.
Anticipate counterarguments: Consider potential objections and prepare responses that address them directly.
Use persuasive language and storytelling: Engage your audience with examples, analogies, and personal anecdotes to bring your arguments to life.
4. "Listen Like You're Wrong" Strategies:
Active listening: Pay close attention to the other person's words, tone, and body language.
Ask clarifying questions: Ensure you fully understand their position and reasoning before responding.
Empathize with their perspective: Try to see the issue from their point of view, even if you disagree.
Suspend judgment: Avoid forming opinions or counterarguments while they're speaking. Listen with the intention to understand, not to refute.
5. Reflection and Recalibration:
After the discussion, consider both perspectives: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each argument, including your own.
Identify areas where your thinking might be biased or incomplete: Recognize any emotional attachments or blind spots influencing your views.
Be willing to adjust your position: If the evidence or logic supports it, be open to changing your mind or adopting a more nuanced stance.
Seek out additional information: If necessary, conduct further research or consult with experts to broaden your understanding.
Video of the Week
This is the advice Adam Grant gave to Bill Gates
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 122 - The First 100 with Nozomi Ito, the co-founder and CEO of MagicPod
Episode 123 - The First 100 with Hedda Båverud Olsson, the co-founder of Lassie
And that’s a wrap for now!
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