How to rethink your opinions and most important decisions

The author of the new book “Think Again” argues that keeping an open mind is a teachable skill.

I recently read Adam Grant’s book “Think Again: The Power to Knowing What You Don’t Know,” which examines how we incorporate (or don’t) new knowledge into our thinking. Like most of Grant’s books, it’s filled with scientific research that’s peppered throughout his book. It’s a worthwhile read.

I resonate with many of his key points. I started and operated a successful mental health department at The Everett Clinic for over a quarter of a century and saw many changes in health care over those years. But I noticed, over time, I was less open to new ideas.

When trying to execute change, I took on what Dr. Grant refers to as a “preacher” role with our staff — trying to convince them of the value of my ideas. Resting on 35 years of clinical and administrative experience in behavioral health care gave me a unique perspective but didn’t encourage me to entertain new ideas. While experience is good, an inquisitive mind is even better.

He also describes the “prosecutor” approach to change management, when an individual tries to poke holes in the other person’s argument. The “politician” approach is often based on swaying others through persuasion. And then there’s the scientific approach, which focuses on presenting data and scientific evidence to facilitate change.

Businesses rise and fall on their willingness to entertain new ideas, knowledge and forward thinking. The first smartphone, the BlackBerry, was revolutionary when it was first introduced and is now almost forgotten.

In 2009, it accounted for nearly half of the smartphone market. By 2014, it captured less than 1% of the market. The CEO was unwilling to rethink his vision. Change in the digital age moves at light speed. Keeping up requires continual reevaluation of assumptions and beliefs, which is both a skill set and a mindset.

Grant notes that innovators share a willingness and even an enthusiasm for testing new ideas and evaluating their results. They love the scientific approach. But even more importantly, mistakes are seen as opportunities to generate new theories to test. These individuals are excited about learning, even when new data contradicts their hypotheses. They’re able to detach from their beliefs.

Grant describes a situation where health care providers try to convince a parent to vaccinate their youngster against measles, which is particularly germane today, as public health experts wonder how to encourage individuals to get COVID-19 vaccinations.

He observes that preaching, arguing with and trying to persuade people to do something that they don’t want to do is ineffective. Instead, it’s helpful to employ more of a motivational approach that encourages the individual to evaluate their own beliefs by asking open-ended questions that urge the individual to think about what’s important to them.

Drs. William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, two psychologists, developed a change methodology called “motivational interviewing,” which facilitates behavior change through a Socratic approach — asking good questions, listening to the answers and engaging the individual in their own motivation for change.

So, what are some of my takeaways from Adam Grant’s book?

Be honest with yourself when your mind is closed — then crack it open. Sometimes it’s hard to see when you’re closed-minded about something. It’s easier for others to see. Be brutally honest with yourself, and if you are stubbornly holding on to a view, open the door to new ideas.

Read authors who you disagree with. Seek out evidence that contradicts your beliefs. Try to understand opposing viewpoints. We often share the same goals but imagine different ways of getting there. Focus on what we hold in common and take the time to learn more about other viewpoints.

During this time of greater polarization in our world, we need to find ways of opening our minds and learning from each other.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

What’s Up columnist Andrea Brown with a selection of black and white glossy promotional photos on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Free celeb photos! Dig into The Herald’s Hollywood time capsule

John Wayne, Travolta, Golden Girls and hundreds more B&W glossies are up for grabs at August pop-up.

Rodney Ho / Atlanta Journal-Constitution / Tribune News Service
The Barenaked Ladies play Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville on Friday.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Edmonds announces summer concert lineup

The Edmonds Arts Commission is hosting 20 shows from July 8 to Aug. 24, featuring a range of music styles from across the Puget Sound region.

Big Bend Photo Provided By Ford Media
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Increases Off-Road Capability

Mountain Loop Highway Was No Match For Bronco

Cascadia College Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Midori Sakura looks in the surrounding trees for wildlife at the North Creek Wetlands on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cascadia College ecology students teach about the importance of wetlands

To wrap up the term, students took family and friends on a guided tour of the North Creek wetlands.

Mustang Convertible Photo Provided By Ford Media Center
Ford’s 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible Revives The Past

Iconic Sports Car Re-Introduced To Wow Masses

Kim Crane talks about a handful of origami items on display inside her showroom on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crease is the word: Origami fans flock to online paper store

Kim’s Crane in Snohomish has been supplying paper crafters with paper, books and kits since 1995.

The 2025 Nissan Murano midsize SUV has two rows of seats and a five-passenger capacity. (Photo provided by Nissan)
2025 Nissan Murano is a whole new machine

A total redesign introduces the fourth generation of this elegant midsize SUV.

A woman flips through a book at the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pop some tags at Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley

$20 buys an outfit, a unicycle — or a little Macklemore magic. Sales support the food bank.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Bar manager Faith Britton pours a beer for a customer at the Madison Avenue Pub in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Burgers, brews and blues: Madison Avenue Pub has it all

Enjoy half-price burgers on Tuesday, prime rib specials and live music at the Everett mainstay.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.