Actress Jennifer Garner joins Adam Grant to discuss his latest book, 'Hidden Potential'. They explore surprising findings in Adam's research, the factors that lead to long-term success, and dream up the ideal school. They also touch on their fear of public speaking, the benefits of playing video games, Maurice Ashley's coaching methods, Save the Children's work in rural America, injecting joy into work, and expressing gratitude.
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Quick takeaways
Kindergarten teachers play a crucial role by instilling character skills like proactivity and discipline.
Embracing imperfections and incorporating playfulness in the creative process can enhance the quality of work.
Deep dives
The Power of Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten teachers have been found to have a significant impact on the long-term success of their students. While they may not focus on teaching cognitive skills like math and reading, they instill important character skills such as proactivity, discipline, and determination. Personal anecdotes, such as Adam Grant's memory of his kindergarten teacher, highlight the lasting influence these teachers can have on students' lives.
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
Adam Grant shares his personal journey of overcoming his fear of public speaking. He explains how he gradually exposed himself to speaking in public, starting with giving guest lectures in his friends' classes until he gained more comfort. Grant reflects on a pivotal experience teaching a four-hour class to senior military officers, where he learned the power of admitting his vulnerabilities rather than trying to prove his expertise. This shift in approach ultimately resulted in a more positive reception and a valuable lesson in embracing imperfections.
Embracing Imperfection and Playfulness
Grant discusses the importance of embracing imperfection and incorporating playfulness in the creative process. He shares his personal experience with editing, which he finds challenging and tedious. To make the process more enjoyable, he adopts different writing voices, channeling the styles of authors he admires. This approach allows him to infuse fun and creativity into the editing process, improving the quality of his work. By sharing his own stories, Grant encourages others to embrace imperfections and find joy in their pursuit of excellence.
Creating a School that Nurtures Potential
Grant and Garner discuss their ideas for creating an ideal school environment. They emphasize the importance of high-quality early education, starting from infancy, to provide children with the necessary foundation for success. They also highlight the need to foster a love for learning by allowing students to explore their interests and incorporate play into their education. Additionally, they suggest redesigning the teacher-student relationship, ensuring that educators inspire and elevate the potential of each student. Their goal is to create schools that prioritize holistic development and equip students for a successful future.
Jennifer Garner’s roles — from “13 Going on 30” to “Juno” to “Alias” — often center strong women who know how to achieve great things. In a fun and surprising live conversation, Jennifer chats with Adam about his latest book, “Hidden Potential.” They dive into the most eye-opening findings in Adam’s research and the unexpected factors that build character and long-term success. Plus, the two dream up the ideal school — and discuss what it’s like to be both “Type A” and “Type Z” parents. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
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