Adam Grant Talks Organizational Psychology & Entrepreneurship | How I Built This with Guy Raz | NPR

Transcript

welcome back everybody we are talking about innovation tonight and who better as i said on day one every night we're talking to one person who kind of embodies themes so leadership renee brown we talked to garyvee about marketing tonight innovation adam grant who's in this window next to me yes that's i think i pointed in the right direction um ada... Read More

Summary

In this video, Guy Raz interviews Adam Grant, a professor, organizational psychologist, and author, about innovation and the process of building and creating. They discuss topics like time management, ideation, creativity, failure, and the importance of reflection. Adam shares insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs and individuals looking to foster innovation and growth.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Adam approach time management and productivity?

Adam believes in shifting from time management to attention management. He focuses on what matters most to him, such as meaningful relationships and projects. He believes that efficiency is not the ultimate goal, but rather finding work that is interesting, important, and intrinsically motivating.

Q: How does Adam start the process of coming up with innovative book ideas?

Adam considers himself an entrepreneur of data and ideas. He finds that curiosity and passion are crucial starting points for any project. He also emphasizes the importance of uniqueness and whether he has a fresh perspective or unique contribution to make on a topic.

Q: How does Adam handle creative blocks and moments when nothing interesting seems to come out?

Adam acknowledges that creative blocks are inevitable for everyone. He has learned that rushing an idea before all the pieces are together often leads to frustration. He values the power of subconscious thought and stepping back to gain a different perspective. He also suggests analyzing the creative block as a curious observer and embracing the opportunity for discovery.

Q: How does Adam view procrastination in relation to creativity?

While Adam recognizes that procrastination can hinder productivity, he believes it can also be a valuable part of the creative process. Procrastination allows room for incubation, accessing remote knowledge, and reframing problems in fresh ways. It provides an opportunity for intuitive leaps and creative insights that may not arise through linear thinking.

Q: How does Adam navigate the fine line between persistence and stubbornness?

Adam emphasizes the importance of recognizing when persistence turns into stubbornness. He suggests having a challenge network of thoughtful critics who can provide independent feedback. These critics can help identify blind spots and offer perspective on whether to stick with a project or pivot. It's crucial to examine principles versus policies and remain open to reevaluating strategies.

Q: How does Adam address the fear of failure and the demoralization it may cause?

Adam acknowledges that failure can be demoralizing, especially after repeated failures. However, he believes that learning from failures and pivoting are essential for growth. He advocates for normalizing failure, recognizing it as a necessary part of taking risks and solving complex problems. Aim higher, set ambitious goals, and view failure as a stepping stone rather than defining your worth.

Q: What is a creative checkup, and why is it necessary?

A creative checkup is a scheduled reflection on one's career choices and creative pursuits. Adam recommends treating it like a medical checkup, occurring once or twice a year. It allows individuals to proactively evaluate their career paths and make adjustments if needed. By reflecting on their goals, passions, and fulfillment, they can align their creative journeys accordingly.

Q: How does Adam navigate the balance between receiving feedback and staying true to one's convictions?

Adam suggests distinguishing between principles and specific policies. Principles are fundamental beliefs, while policies are ways to manifest those beliefs. By separating the two, individuals can be open to feedback on their policies without compromising their principles. Having an open mindset and seeking feedback from a challenge network can help align convictions with effective strategies.

Q: What does Adam suggest for individuals struggling with constant self-doubt?

Adam advises individuals struggling with self-doubt to find a sense of purpose and passion. By focusing on meaningful goals and work that align with personal values, individuals can silence self-doubt and find motivation to keep going. Surrounding oneself with a supportive network and seeking independent feedback can also provide reassurance and build confidence.

Q: How does Adam define success in the context of innovation and creativity?

Adam believes that success in innovation and creativity is not limited to financial outcomes or societal recognition. He considers success as the ability to continuously learn, grow, and have an impact on others. Finding joy and fulfillment in the process of creating and innovating, regardless of external validation, is what determines true success.

Takeaways

Innovation and creativity require effective time and attention management. It is important to focus on meaningful projects and relationships rather than purely seeking efficiency. Ideation involves passion, curiosity, and a unique perspective. Creative blocks can be overcome through reflection, subconscious thought, and reframing problems. Procrastination can be beneficial when it leads to intuitive insights. Persistence needs to be balanced with open-mindedness and a willingness to pivot. Failure is a natural part of the journey and should be normalized rather than celebrated. Scheduling regular creative checkups can help individuals proactively reflect on their career paths. Separating principles from policies allows for feedback and adaptation without compromising core values. Success in innovation comes from continuous learning, growth, and having a positive impact, regardless of external recognition.