Revisionist History cover image

Revisionist History

Unlocking Hidden Potential with Adam Grant

Oct 26, 2023
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, joins Malcolm Gladwell to discuss his new book, "Hidden Potential." They tackle the myth of innate talent versus effort, explore how perfectionism can hinder growth, and share personal tales of overcoming impostor syndrome. The conversation also dives into the nuances of affirmative action and the importance of humility in success. With humor and insight, they challenge conventional wisdom and encourage listeners to unlock their true potential.
43:44

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Perfectionism can hinder success by prioritizing small details over the big picture and causing self-doubt and a fear of taking risks.
  • Affirmative action programs may have unintended consequences, as beneficiaries often face skepticism and underperform compared to those without the stigma of affirmative action.

Deep dives

The Damaging Effects of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can have negative consequences, including a focus on small details at the expense of the big picture, self-shaming and rumination, and a reluctance to take risks and explore new areas. Perfectionists often suffer from imposter syndrome and are constantly doubted by others. The rise of perfectionism may be attributed to rising parental expectations and harsh criticism of children who do not meet those expectations.

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