Whether you're someone who enjoys ruffling feathers or the type of person who'd like to challenge the status quo but shies away, you'll benefit from understanding the best, research--backed ways to practice disagreement - even insubordination - while holding onto others' respect at work. Todd Kashdan is a psychology professor at George Mason University and the author of the book The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively. He explains how contrarians, and those with ideas that run counter to the mainstream, can pick their battles, articulate their arguments, and gain allies along the way.

"When we share our pain, we grow closer than at any other point in our lives." - Todd Kashdan If you enjoyed this episode, check out show notes and more at www.lewishowes.com/154. Get more from Lewis! Pre-order my new book Make Money EasyGet The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX

In this episode, I talk to esteemed psychologist Todd Kashdan about the art of insubordination. As creatures of habit, humans seek familiarity in thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. But Todd argues that deviating from norms isn’t always a bad thing—especially if it’s in pursuit of positive change. To enact principled dissent effectively, Todd teaches us how to persuade the majority and how to embrace unconventional solutions. We also touch on the topics of conformity, intimacy, influence, victimhood, and curiosity.BioTodd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility, and social relationships. His research has been featured in hundreds of media outlets, including multiple articles in the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and Forbes. In 2010, he received the Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Award at George Mason University and in 2013, he received the Distinguished Early Career Researcher Award by the American Psychological Association. Todd is the author of Curious?, The Upside of Your Darkside, and Designing Positive Psychology. His latest book is The Art of Insubordination. Website: toddkashdan.comTwitter: @toddkashdan Topics01:34 The elements of principled insubordination05:07 Why do people conform?08:57 Social change by principled rebels 14:21 Win responsibly19:02 Extract wisdom from weirdos24:22 Do cartwheels in the library29:06 Self-care for rebels31:25 How to win over the majority36:13 Spark curiosity not fear42:03 Build stronger alliances during conflict48:23 Boredom, polarization, and insightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Todd Kashdan, a Professor at George Mason University and author of "The Art of Insubordination," shares his expertise on well-being and conflict. He explores how shifting from problem-focused to solution-focused thinking can boost creativity. The duo discusses the 'bad idea race' method for brainstorming, balances between promotion- and prevention-focused mindsets, and how cultural factors shape spontaneous problem-solving. Todd emphasizes the value of empathetic dialogue and diverse thinking in transforming tough conversations into growth opportunities.

Todd Kashdan, Professor at George Mason University and Best Selling Author, discusses effective negotiation, the importance of constructive conversations and checking in with employees, convergent and divergent approaches in organizations. They also explore the micro-culture within our world, different ways to describe creativity, and the difference between problem-focused and solution-focused decisions. The podcast delves into prevention focus versus promotion focus in persuasion and conflict resolution, and the impact of time urgency on decision-making and interactions.

Todd Kashdan, an expert in human behavior, discusses the challenges of social comparison in the digital age and the impact of social media on success perceptions. He emphasizes the value of self-reflection and differentiates between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Todd delves into 'receptive resistance' and the eternal gap between who we are and who we aspire to be. The podcast explores the roles of negative emotions, toxic positivity, doubt, and confusion in personal growth. It also highlights the importance of finding balance and embracing one's own uniqueness in life.

It's natural to want to run away from difficult emotions such as grief, anger and fear. But what happens when these feelings catch up with us? This week, in the second installment of our Happiness 2.0 series, psychologist Todd Kashdan looks at the relationship between distress and happiness, and how to keep difficult emotions from sabotaging our wellbeing. Did you catch the first episode in our series on happiness?  You can find last week's conversation on how to build a lasting sense of contentment here.  And if you enjoy the show and would like to help us make more episodes of Hidden Brain, please consider supporting our work. Thanks! 

In this podcast, Todd Kashdan, author and TEDx speaker, discusses flourishing and the relationship between curiosity and openness to experience, affective science, and psychological flexibility. The conversation explores negative emotions in education, the importance of an open mindset for creativity, navigating motivations and change in work, and the significance of negative emotions in leading a good life. Kashdan also emphasizes the lack of curiosity and interest in exploring diverse topics and discusses building cultural norms and embracing boredom to stimulate new possibilities.

Todd Kashdan, a psychologist and Professor of Psychology at George Mason University, dives deep into the balance between conformity and authenticity. He discusses how we can express principled insubordination while upholding prosocial values. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity in fostering societal change and the role of emotional complexity in self-awareness. Kashdan also shares strategies for navigating dissent, empowering listeners to stand up for what they believe while maintaining meaningful connections.

Todd Kashdan (@toddkashdan) is a Professor of Psychology and Senior Scientist at the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University and co-author of The Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self -- Not Just Your "Good" Self -- Drives Success and Fulfillment. What We Discuss with Todd Kashdan: Why trying to be positive and happy all the time may be harming your ability to get things done and achieve the results you want. How what you may think of as negative emotions -- like anger -- can be useful superpowers with the proper awareness and application. The problem with living in a time and place when distraction from discomfort comes in an easier and greater variety than ever before. Why every decision you make now is based on how you expect to feel in the future -- and you probably underestimate your ability to tolerate distress. How you can use the discomfort caveat to ease out of the "put on a happy face" rut around others. And much more... Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!  Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Full show notes and resources can be found here.