Adam Grant and Tim Harford on Achieving Greatness, Part Two

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Jan 28, 2024

Guest

Tim Harford

Guest

Adam Grant

In this engaging conversation, Adam Grant, renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, teams up with Tim Harford, esteemed economic journalist and author. They dive into key issues for business leaders, such as economic trends and talent retention. Grant and Harford discuss the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth and how collaboration can enhance creativity in writing. They also tackle the pitfalls of perfectionism, advocating for incremental improvements as a path to greatness.

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INSIGHT

Replication Crisis in Psychology

Psychology, like other fields, faces a replication crisis, questioning the validity of past findings.
Adam Grant emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodology and the evolution of scientific understanding.

ADVICE

Improving Scientific Progress

Improve data infrastructure, sharing, and transparency to advance scientific progress.
Create open access to queries while protecting individual privacy within datasets like the NHS.

ANECDOTE

Working with Sheryl Sandberg

Adam Grant describes working with Sheryl Sandberg on "Option B" and praises her high standards.
He credits Sandberg with transforming his writing process through rigorous revision.

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The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg

In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and change. He explains the 'habit loop' consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward, and how understanding this loop can help in changing bad habits or forming good ones. The book includes numerous examples from various fields, such as how Procter & Gamble successfully marketed Febreze, how Alcoa transformed its business by focusing on safety, and how individuals like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited from specific habits. Duhigg argues that by harnessing this science, individuals and organizations can transform their lives and businesses[2][4][5].

How to Make the World Add Up

Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers

Tim Harford

In 'How to Make the World Add Up', Tim Harford provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of statistics and data. The book outlines ten simple rules for understanding numbers, along with a golden rule to 'stay curious'. Harford draws on a wide range of examples, from historical figures like Florence Nightingale and John Maynard Keynes to contemporary issues, to illustrate how statistics can be both misleading and informative. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, overcoming biases, and maintaining a healthy skepticism when dealing with data. The book is structured around engaging narratives and historical anecdotes, making it an entertaining and informative read for anyone interested in statistics and data analysis.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].

Hidden Potential

The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Adam Grant

In 'Hidden Potential,' Adam Grant dismantles the myth that success is primarily due to innate talent. He argues that potential is not fixed but can be cultivated over time through effort, persistence, and continuous learning. The book emphasizes the development of 'character skills' such as proactivity, determination, and the ability to embrace discomfort and learn from failure. Grant uses compelling stories of late bloomers and underdogs who achieved greatness through sheer determination, highlighting the importance of support systems, motivation, and the willingness to push beyond comfort zones. The book offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations, applicable in various domains from education to the workplace and beyond[2][4][5].

Give and Take

A Revolutionary Approach to Success

Adam Grant

In 'Give and Take', Adam Grant examines the surprising forces that shape success, highlighting the differences between givers, matchers, and takers. Givers contribute to others without expecting anything in return, matchers aim to trade evenly, and takers strive to get as much as possible from others. Grant uses cutting-edge evidence and captivating stories to show how these styles impact success across various industries. The book emphasizes the benefits and challenges of adopting a giver mentality and provides practical advice on how to build successful relationships and achieve extraordinary results.