by Sheryl Agee
Our team recently completed a staff book study on “Think Again” by Adam Grant, and it couldn’t have been more relevant to the work we do. In our work supporting communities and driving social impact, we constantly face complex challenges that require open-mindedness, collaboration, and a willingness to reconsider our positions. “Think Again” gave us fresh insights into how we approach problems and work toward solutions.
Grant’s book pushes readers to reflect on how often we focus more on convincing others that our ideas or research are correct, rather than truly listening and embracing the idea that we might not have all the answers. This was a powerful reminder for us to slow down, take the time to understand multiple perspectives and search for common ground. By doing so, we’re able to gather all the necessary information to make informed, collective decisions that serve the wider community.
Each week, our discussions became livelier as we referred back to Grant’s insights, applying them to our daily work. We saw ourselves in the examples Grant shared and often quoted the book’s challenge: if we want to find the best solutions, we need to “think like scientists”—constantly questioning our assumptions and exploring all possible outcomes.
One of the book’s greatest lessons is that discovering you’re wrong isn’t a loss but a win—because it means you’ve learned something new. In our work, where learning and growth are essential, this mindset shift is key to making sure we’re always evolving to meet the community’s needs.
Ultimately, “Think Again” reminded us that real progress comes from continual learning, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and respecting diverse opinions. As we strive to create lasting impact, we’ll carry these lessons forward, ensuring that our work reflects the very best ideas from all sides.
