Asking for advice is more beneficial than asking for feedback because when you ask for feedback, the other person focuses on the past and can lead you to ruminate about mistakes or become complacent with positive feedback. In contrast, when you ask for advice, people look ahead and suggest adjustments for the future, allowing you to immediately consider how to improve. Asking for advice is less threatening, reduces defensiveness, and provides an optimistic opportunity for improvement.
Psychologist Adam Grant stops by to talk with Maya about his new book "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things." They talk about how to filter out unhelpful feedback, the benefits of imperfectionism, and why we need to give soft skills more respect.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out Adam’s first time on the show: “Adam Grant Thinks Again.”
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