World Economic Forum cover image

World Economic Forum

Adam Grant: The key trait future leaders need to succeed - and rethinking the classic workday

Feb 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and best-selling author, explores the vital soft skills needed for future leaders. He argues for a focus on creativity and collaboration in modern workplaces, while also introducing the concept of 'job crafters.' Grant shares insightful lessons from his college job as a magician, emphasizing the importance of engaging skeptics. He also advocates for a 'To-Don’t' list to boost productivity and a four-day work week to enhance innovation in teams.
33:20

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Organizations must prioritize collaborative abilities and soft skills, shifting focus from individual output to collective success for future effectiveness.
  • Leaders need to adapt to changing work environments by fostering innovative structures that promote creativity and free idea exchange among employees.

Deep dives

The Importance of Soft Skills in Today’s Workplaces

Many organizations primarily evaluate employees based on individual output, emphasizing metrics like revenue generation or coding efficiency. However, this approach neglects the significance of individuals who uplift and elevate others, which is a crucial aspect of organizational collaboration. Most organizations struggle to measure and develop these soft skills effectively, resulting in a C minus performance in this area. Elevating team success requires a shift in focus towards collaborative abilities that promote collective advancement rather than just individual achievements.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode