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

Brandon Hailey of Cytrus, center, plays the saxophone during a headlining show at Madam Lou’s on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood-based funk octet Cytrus has the juice

Resilience and brotherhood take center stage with ‘friends-first’ band.

FILE - In this April 11, 2014 file photo, Neko Case performs at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. Fire investigators are looking for the cause of a fire on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017, that heavily damaged Case’s 225-year-old Vermont home. There were no injuries, though a barn was destroyed. It took firefighters two hours to extinguish the blaze. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Singer-songwriter Neko Case, an indie music icon from Tacoma, performs Sunday in Edmonds.

Sarah Jean Muncey-Gordon puts on some BITCHSTIX lip oil at Bandbox Beauty Supply on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Langley, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Bandbox Beauty was made for Whidbey Island locals, by an island local

Founder Sarah Muncey-Gordon said Langley is in a renaissance, and she’s proud to be a part of it.

Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli
Tangier’s market boasts piles of fruits, veggies, and olives, countless varieties of bread, and nonperishables, like clothing and electronics.
Rick Steves on the cultural kaleidoscope of Tangier in Morocco

Walking through the city, I think to myself, “How could anyone be in southern Spain — so close — and not hop over to experience this wonderland?”

chris elliott.
Vrbo promised to cover her rental bill in Hawaii, so why won’t it?

When Cheryl Mander’s Vrbo rental in Hawaii is uninhabitable, the rental platform agrees to cover her new accommodations. But then it backs out. What happened?

Byrds co-founder Roger McGuinn, seen here in 2013, will perform April 20 in Edmonds. (Associated Press)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

R0ck ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Roger McGuinn, frontman of The Byrds, plans a gig in Edmonds in April.

Mother giving in to the manipulation her daughter fake crying for candy
Can children be bribed into good behavior?

Only in the short term. What we want to do is promote good habits over the course of the child’s life.

Speech Bubble Puzzle and Discussion
When conflict flares, keep calm and stand your ground

Most adults don’t like dissension. They avoid it, try to get around it, under it, or over it.

The colorful Nyhavn neighborhood is the place to moor on a sunny day in Copenhagen. (Cameron Hewitt)
Rick Steves: Embrace hygge and save cash in Copenhagen

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Last Call is a festured artist at the 2024 DeMiero Jazz Festival: in Edmonds. (Photo provided by DeMiero Jazz Festival)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz ensemble Last Call is one of the featured artists at the DeMiero Jazz Festival on March 7-9 in Edmonds.

Kim Helleren
Local children’s author to read at Edmonds Bookshop

Kim Helleren will read from one of her books for kids at the next monthly Story Time at Edmonds Bookshop on March 29.

Chris Elliott
Lyft surprises traveler with a $150 cleaning charge

Jared Hakimi finds a $150 charge on his credit card after a Lyft ride. Is that allowed? And will the charge stick?

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.