hardcover, 320 pages
Published Feb. 1, 2021 by Viking.
Think Again is a book about the benefit of doubt, and about how we can get better at embracing the unknown and the joy of being wrong. Evidence has shown that creative geniuses are not attached to one identity, but constantly willing to rethink their stances and that leaders who admit they don't know something and seek critical feedback lead more productive and innovative teams.
New evidence shows us that as a mindset and a skilllset, rethinking can be taught and Grant explains how to develop the necessary qualities to do it. Section 1 explores why we struggle to think again and how we can learn to do it as individuals, arguing that 'grit' alone can actually be counterproductive. Section 2 discusses how we can help others think again through learning about 'argument literacy'. And the final section 3 looks at how schools, businesses and governments fall short in building …
Think Again is a book about the benefit of doubt, and about how we can get better at embracing the unknown and the joy of being wrong. Evidence has shown that creative geniuses are not attached to one identity, but constantly willing to rethink their stances and that leaders who admit they don't know something and seek critical feedback lead more productive and innovative teams.
New evidence shows us that as a mindset and a skilllset, rethinking can be taught and Grant explains how to develop the necessary qualities to do it. Section 1 explores why we struggle to think again and how we can learn to do it as individuals, arguing that 'grit' alone can actually be counterproductive. Section 2 discusses how we can help others think again through learning about 'argument literacy'. And the final section 3 looks at how schools, businesses and governments fall short in building cultures that encourage rethinking.
In the end, learning to rethink may be the secret skill to give you the edge in a world changing faster than ever.
As far as business books go, this one is solid. I can see myself recommending it to a lot of clients because it does a great job making the case for interrogating our thinking, examining our beliefs, and holding everything a bit loosely.
I thought this would be more similar Julia Galef's The Scout Mindset. I'm glad I read both books because this didn't overlap The Scout Mindset as much as I expected it would.
I took a lot of notes in the first 3 chapters and on chapter 12 (teaching students to question knowledge) but most of the middle chapters didn't feel as noteworthy/actionable for me.
I expect I'll be referring back to many of the analogies (preacher, prosecutor, politician, and scientist modes), some of the mantras/pithy phrases, and a few of the studies referenced.
