Adam Grant: Give & Take, Think Again, and the Future of Work

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Aug 23, 2023

Adam Grant, a leading management thinker and author of bestsellers like 'Give and Take,' shares profound insights on workplace dynamics. He discusses the balance of generosity and self-protection, the paradox of procrastination boosting creativity, and the necessity of cognitive humility in leadership. Grant explores how storytelling shapes corporate culture, the importance of recognizing latent talent, and the evolving nature of work-life balance amidst changing technology. His thoughtful perspectives encourage a more empathetic and resilient workplace.

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ANECDOTE

Adam Grant's Magic Trick

As a college student, Adam Grant worked as a professional magician, specializing in card tricks.
His favorite trick involved a story where named cards would appear on top while shuffling.

INSIGHT

Misdirection in Psychology

Adam Grant uses misdirection, learned from magic, in his work as an organizational psychologist.
This creates surprise and intrigue, making people more receptive to his ideas.

INSIGHT

Procrastination and Creativity

Procrastination can fuel creativity by allowing incubation time.
This challenges the traditional view that starting early and finishing on time is always best.

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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.

Think Again

Adam Grant

In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[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].