Change is tough, isn’t it? Whether it’s shaking up your team at work or trying something new, it feels like a big leap. I recently dived into Adam Grant’s book, “Think Again,” and found some golden advice for leaders who are working with teams through some form of change. Grant talks about four ways of thinking that can really make a difference. But there’s one style, in particular, that caught my eye for anyone leading a team: thinking like a Scientist. Let’s break these down in a way that feels like we’re just having a coffee chat together.
The Four Ways of Thinking
Imagine you’re at a crossroads with your team, and you’re figuring out how to convince them to take a new path. Grant says you can approach this in four ways:
- Like a Preacher: You’re passionate and trying to convert others to your way of seeing things.
- Like a Prosecutor: You’re out to prove someone else’s view wrong, focusing on poking holes in their argument.
- Like a Politician: You’re trying to win people over, tailoring your message to get their thumbs up.
- Like a Scientist: You’re curious, open to experimenting, and ready to change your plan based on what you learn.
Why Thinking Like a Scientist works for Leaders
Among all of these, adopting the mindset of a scientist can significantly alter your approach to managing change. Here’s why:
Be Curious Together
Encourage everyone to ask questions and challenge the usual way of doing things. Show them it’s okay not to have all the answers. This isn’t just about being open to new ideas; it’s about building a team that’s excited to explore and grow together.
Try Things Out
Change can be scary because it’s all about stepping into the unknown. But what if you looked at it as a series of little tests? Like, “Let’s try this small change and see what happens.” It makes the whole process feel less daunting and more like a series of steps you’re all figuring out together.
Stay Open to Surprises
One of the best parts of thinking like a Scientist is being okay with being wrong sometimes. If you try something and it doesn’t work, that’s not a failure; it’s just a sign to try a different way. Make it clear that everyone’s ideas are welcome and that it’s okay to pivot based on what you all learn.
Reflect and Learn
After you try something new, take a moment to look back and talk about how it went. What worked? What didn’t? This isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about learning and getting better together.
Mixing It Up
While being a Scientist can be super helpful, the truth is, sometimes you need to mix in a bit of the other styles too. Maybe you need the passion of a Preacher to get everyone excited about the vision, the critical eye of a Prosecutor to challenge old ways that aren’t working, or the charm of a Politician to get everyone on board. The trick is knowing when to switch hats.
Conclusion
“Think Again” by Adam Grant provides a powerful framework for leaders seeking to guide their organizations through change. Leaders can cultivate a culture of inquiry, experimentation, and adaptability by primarily utilizing the Scientist thinking approach. But the mark of truly great leadership is the capacity to move between all four ways of thinking depending on the circumstances. These thought patterns are vital components of an attitude that welcomes change as a chance for development and education during the organisational transformation process, not merely useful tools.
My next article talks about Navigating Your Thinking Styles: A Guide to Self-Awareness and Building Stronger Relationships. It delves deeper into a personal exploration of these thinking styles. Do check it out!
References:
White, A., Mische, S., & Winn, M., 2019. Leadership in Science.. Journal of biomolecular techniques : JBT, 30 Suppl, pp. S54.
Hastings, B., & Schwarz, G., 2021. Mindsets for Change Leaders: Exploring Priming Approaches for Leadership Development. Journal of Change Management, 22, pp. 202 – 229.
