Worklife with Adam Grant WorkLife: The neglected power of siblings with Susan Dominus
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Jun 24, 2025 
Susan Dominus, a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine and author of The Family Dynamic, dives into the overlooked influence of siblings on personal success. She argues that sibling relationships shape individual identity and resilience, often more than parental guidance. The conversation touches on how birth order affects parenting styles and success dynamics. Dominus shares insights from her research, revealing how siblings can act as mentors or rivals, significantly impacting aspirations and achievements throughout life.
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Parents Overestimate Their Impact
- Parents often overestimate the impact they have on their children's success.
- Siblings can have a greater influence on each other's achievements than parents do.
Genetics vs. Parenting Impact
- Twin studies reveal genetics influence personality traits about 50%.
- Adoption studies show shared family environment has limited impact on personality similarity.
Sibling Spillover Effect on Success
- When older siblings perform better due to age advantages, younger siblings also improve academically.
- This sibling spillover effect contributes to perpetuating inequalities.
