Adam Grant on Your Potential, Gen Z and — oops — Elon
Nov 13, 2023
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Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and Wharton School professor, debunks the myth of innate talent and emphasizes the importance of learning skills over time. He discusses Gen Z's potential in hybrid work scenarios and proposes an age limit for politicians. The podcast covers topics like hidden potential, character skills, achievement culture, challenges faced by university leaders, grieving processes, social media, and encore careers.
Achievement is determined by how far one can travel, not just innate talent or starting point.
Differentiating between toxic situations and uncomfortable growth moments is vital for fostering healthier work environments.
Engaging in thoughtful disagreement and valuing silence can lead to meaningful conversations and understanding even in contentious issues.
Deep dives
Unlocking Hidden Potential through Character Skills
Achievement is not solely based on innate talent, but on how far one can travel. The concept of potential is often misunderstood as being determined by where one starts, but it is actually about the distance one can cover. Examples like the chess club in Harlem and the deaf musician Evelyn Glennie demonstrate how character skills like discipline, determination, and proactiveness contribute to achieving greatness. The key is finding joy in the grind and building novelty and variety into the learning process.
Moving Beyond Toxic Cultures and Embracing Nuance
In a high-achieving culture that celebrates exceptionalism and perfectionism, the concept of toxic work cultures has gained attention. While toxic cultures have worsened in some instances, it is essential to differentiate between toxic situations and uncomfortable moments that foster growth. There is a need to shift the focus from judgment to actionability and encourage the building of character skills like empathy and resilience to create healthier work environments.
Engaging in Thoughtful Disagreement and Valuing Silence
In a reductive online environment, it is challenging to preserve nuance. However, engaging in thoughtful disagreement and valuing silence are crucial in fostering meaningful conversations. By shifting the focus from critique to advice, we open up the possibility for growth and understanding. It is important to listen, reflect, and craft nuanced responses, even in contentious issues like the Middle East conflict or generational differences.
The Potential of Generative AI Tools
Generative AI tools, such as Claude and Chat GPT, have the potential to create a new wave of personalized and tailored learning experiences. With tools like Khan Migo, personalized AI tutors can assess individual strengths and weaknesses, providing tailored coaching to help learners develop their skills. This personalized approach can empower individuals to build their own pathways to success.
The Importance of Kindness and Character Development
Teaching kids to care about others and develop kindness can have a profound impact on their success. Research shows that children who are helpful to their classmates, rather than just achieving good grades, are more likely to thrive academically and personally. Encouraging children to be kind fosters a sense of purpose and motivates them to learn and grow. Furthermore, being helpful allows for peer tutoring and mentoring, which reinforces understanding and retention of knowledge. Prioritizing character development over solely focusing on academic achievements can lead to well-rounded and successful individuals.
Are tech bros successful because of some innate talent, or could any of us be like them? Organizational psychologist and Wharton School professor Adam Grant takes on the myth of innate talent and the reality of growth in his latest book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things. We hear why forward-looking advice trumps feedback, how Gen Z can thrive in hybrid work scenarios and why Grant thinks there should be an age limit for politicians. Stay till the end to hear Grant turn the tables on Kara and psychoanalyze her frustration with Elon.
If you like this episode, you can find Adam’s podcasts here and here.
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