You 2.0: How to Open Your Mind

This Hidden Brain podcast episode explores the psychological reasons behind stubbornness and the reluctance to change one's mind, interviewing organizational psychologist Adam Grant. The discussion covers the "first instinct fallacy," the difference between task conflict (debating ideas) and relationship conflict (personal attacks), and the role of ego in resisting criticism. Grant highlights the importance of building "challenge networks" – groups who provide constructive criticism – and the value of asking questions to foster intellectual humility, rather than directly confronting opposing views. The episode uses examples like the rise and fall of Blackberry and the Wright brothers' collaborative approach to illustrate how productive disagreement can lead to better outcomes. Listeners gain insights into overcoming stubbornness and improving communication by focusing on task conflict and building supportive yet challenging relationships.