Brené and Adam Grant on Rewarding Effort With Time

The conversation explores the complexities of rewarding effort versus outcomes in professional and academic settings. Adam Grant's op-ed, "No, You Don't Get an A for Effort," serves as a starting point to discuss the pitfalls of praising effort without progress, which can stem from a misinterpretation of Carol Dweck's growth mindset. Brené Brown suggests rewarding effort with time and coaching, rather than empty praise, to guide individuals toward more effective strategies. Grant introduces a framework from Jeff Bezos, prioritizing decisions based on their consequence and reversibility, advocating for focused attention on high-stakes, irreversible choices. Brown reflects on her own leadership, realizing her emotional reactions might inadvertently signal misplaced priorities to her team, leading to action without impact. The discussion culminates in strategies for leaders to clarify priorities, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of experimentation and reversibility.